The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has undergone significant changes in recent years, primarily spurred by the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The new agreement has introduced a variety of new tactics and penalties that are reshaping the dynamics between teams and their star players, particularly those pushing for contract restructures or enhancements.
The Rise of the "Hold-In" Tactic
One of the most notable strategies to emerge under the current CBA is the "hold-in" tactic. Unlike a traditional holdout where players do not attend training camp, players employing the hold-in strategy report to camp but refrain from participating in practice or drills. This tactic allows players to express their dissatisfaction with their current contracts while avoiding the severe financial penalties associated with missing camp.
The fines for players missing training camp are steep. Players beyond their rookie contracts face a fine of $50,000 per day, while rookies incur a daily fine of $40,000. Additionally, missing preseason games can result in penalties amounting to a week's base salary for each game missed. These stringent measures particularly target unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
Case Studies: T.J. Watt and Brandon Aiyuk
The effectiveness of the hold-in tactic was prominently showcased by T.J. Watt in 2021. Watt, a defensive linchpin for the Pittsburgh Steelers, used the hold-in strategy to secure a lucrative contract. Before the regular season opener, Watt became the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, illustrating that strategic non-participation can indeed yield desired financial outcomes.
Similarly, Brandon Aiyuk's situation with the San Francisco 49ers underscores the complexities of current NFL contract negotiations. Aiyuk, who is scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024, skipped offseason workouts and subsequently faced a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. His dissatisfaction reached a peak shortly before the start of training camp, prompting a trade request.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Ja'Marr Chase
Ja'Marr Chase, another rising star, exemplifies the ongoing tension between player aspirations and team policies. The Cincinnati Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025. Despite this, Chase abstained from participating in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. There is growing speculation that Chase might withhold his services without a new contract agreement.
The Bengals, however, have options under the CBA to address this hold-in scenario. The maximum penalty for violating Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract includes a fine of up to one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. If a player decides to walk out after reporting to training camp, he risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, rendering him ineligible to play for the rest of the season and freezing his contract for the following year.
As Bengals president Mike Brown remarked, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." Brown further noted, "The offseason is a better time for that and we're going to try to keep focused on the football part. I'm not going to rule anything out, but I will tell you that the die has probably been cast."
Recent High-Profile Contracts
The financial landscape of the NFL is continually evolving, with recent high-profile contracts setting new benchmarks. Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings is a notable example. Jefferson's deal includes an impressive $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Similarly, DeVonta Smith secured a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jaylen Waddle inked a three-year, $84.75 million extension with the Miami Dolphins. These substantial contracts reflect the ongoing trend of teams committing significant financial resources to secure their core talents.
As the dynamics of NFL contract negotiations continue to evolve, teams and players alike are navigating a complex landscape marked by strategic maneuvers and significant financial implications. The hold-in tactic, hefty fines, and high-stakes negotiations underscore the high tension and high rewards involved in modern professional football.