The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has shifted since the introduction of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Among the emerging tactics, the "hold-in" strategy has become a notable maneuver for players to express dissatisfaction with their contracts. The hold-in allows players to report to training camp but refrain from participating in activities until their contract issues are resolved. This tactic has proved effective in navigating the stiff penalties imposed by the current CBA.
The Financial Stakes of Training Camp Absence
Under the latest CBA, teams are mandated to fine players who miss training camp. Veterans, or players beyond their rookie contracts, incur a hefty fine of $50,000 per day for missing camp, while rookies face a slightly lower penalty of $40,000 per day. Additionally, missing preseason games triggers a penalty equivalent to one week's base salary for each game missed, particularly targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks under their fifth-year options.
Rookie Contract Nuances
Interestingly, only those on rookie contracts have any potential for fine forgiveness, lending them a slight advantage in negotiating terms with their teams. The case of TJ Watt in 2021 exemplifies the effectiveness of the hold-in approach. Watt reported to training camp but didn't participate in drills, resulting in him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season opener.
Recent Instances of Hold-Ins and Trade Requests
The 2023 offseason has already seen its share of high-profile contract maneuvers. Brandon Aiyuk, for instance, is poised to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under his fifth-year option. Dissatisfied with his current deal, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts, accumulating a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Shortly before training camp began, he took the bold step of requesting a trade.
Similarly, Ja'Marr Chase did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. The Cincinnati Bengals have exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025. However, there are whispers that Chase may opt not to play without securing a new contract. When asked about the situation, Bengals president Mike Brown acknowledged Chase's importance to the team, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." He also hinted at the possibility of offseason negotiations but noted, "I'm not going to rule anything out, but I will tell you that the die has probably been cast."
The Risks of Contract Disputes
The consequences of hold-ins and similar tactics extend beyond fines and missed salary. According to the current CBA, the maximum penalty for breaching or violating Paragraph 2 of the NFL Player Contract includes a fine equivalent to one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Moreover, a player who walks out after reporting to training camp risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would sideline him for the rest of the season and freeze his contract for the following year—effectively halting his career progress.
Big-Money Deals in Contrast
While some players navigate contractual dissatisfaction, others secure lucrative extensions. The Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension, which includes a staggering $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles and Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins also landed substantial deals, with Smith securing a three-year, $75 million deal and Waddle obtaining a three-year, $84.75 million extension.
The disparity between these high-value contracts and the financial penalties imposed underlines the complexities of modern NFL negotiations. As players and teams continue to navigate the evolving landscape, tactics like the hold-in will likely remain a crucial part of contract negotiations, balancing the scales of power and securing the futures of athletes across the league.