The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has evolved significantly in recent years, primarily due to the stringent measures introduced under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Designed to mitigate the financial impact of player absences, the new CBA has made holdouts a far costlier endeavor for athletes, reflecting in the high-profile cases seen in recent seasons.
Stricter Financial Penalties
The 2020 CBA mandates that teams impose hefty fines on players who miss training camp. Veterans not on rookie contracts face a $50,000 per day penalty for absences. Meanwhile, players still under rookie contracts, who previously enjoyed some leniency, now incur fines of $40,000 each day they miss. The agreement also introduced punitive measures for missing preseason games, stipulating that unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option forfeit a week’s base salary for each missed game.
Interestingly, fine forgiveness or reduction is only permitted for players still on rookie contracts. This clause, while somewhat lenient, still attaches significant financial consequences to holdouts, aiming to encourage training camp participation across the board.
Nick Bosa's Landmark Deal
No discussion about recent holdouts and resulting deals would be complete without mentioning Nick Bosa. The San Francisco 49ers' star defensive end secured a five-year, $170 million extension just before the 2023 regular season commenced. This deal not only made headlines for its timing but also for the financial figures involved. Bosa’s contract set records for non-quarterback contracts, boasting a staggering $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Chris Jones' Extended Holdout
Another notable holdout was that of Chris Jones, whose absence stretched into the regular season, a rarity in the NFL. Jones accumulated $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp, in addition to forfeiting a $500,000 workout bonus. Eventually, his 51-day holdout concluded with a restructured contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 season.
Zack Martin Secures Raise
In a more straightforward negotiation, Zack Martin managed to secure a $9.35 million raise over the final two years of his contract. As part of the adjustment, his previously unsecured base salary for 2024 became fully guaranteed, solidifying his financial future with the team.
Minicamp Absences
While training camp holdouts garner the most attention, minicamp absences also reflect players' contract dissatisfaction. In recent times, players like Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick have skipped mandatory minicamps over contract issues. The penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp stands at $101,716, underscoring the financial stakes involved even in shorter absences.
Major Contract Extensions
The 2023 season also saw several significant contract extensions. Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings' star receiver, inked a four-year, $140 million extension, averaging $35 million per year. This deal included a noteworthy $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, reflecting Jefferson’s value to the team.
In a similar vein, Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new benchmark for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. Such contracts indicate the increasing financial prowess and strategic importance of these key positions within NFL rosters.
Haason Reddick and Amari Cooper Shine
Haason Reddick, after being traded to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, continued his impressive performance streak with his fourth consecutive season of double-digit sacks in 2023. Similarly, Amari Cooper's consistent play earned him consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Browns and a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, reinforcing his elite status among NFL receivers.
CeeDee Lamb's Record-Breaking Season
One of the brightest stars of the season, CeeDee Lamb, notched a record-breaking performance with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite his stellar season, the Dallas Cowboys may hesitate to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, signaling a potential area of negotiation moving forward.
The 2020 CBA has undoubtedly reshaped the dynamics of NFL training camp holdouts and player contracts, instituting a regime where the financial and performance stakes are higher than ever. As players continue to navigate this new landscape, the coming seasons will likely see further evolutions in contract negotiations and player-team relations.