The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has undergone a significant transformation under the new 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), introducing several changes that affect both players and teams. One of the notable shifts involves the use of the "hold-in" tactic, instrumental for players seeking better contract terms without completely boycotting training camp.
Unlike the traditional holdout, where players miss training camp and preseason games at the risk of significant fines, the hold-in allows players to attend camp but not participate fully. This strategy emerged as viable under the new CBA, which mandated fines for players missing training camp — $50,000 per day for veterans and $40,000 for rookies. The mechanism provides players leverage while avoiding the steep financial penalties for not reporting.
The Stakes of Missing Preseason
The implications of missing preseason games are particularly severe. Players missing these games face penalties amounting to a week's base salary per game. Specifically targeted are unrestricted free agents and first-round picks under their fifth-year options. For instance, Brandon Aiyuk, scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024, felt the sting of these fines when he skipped offseason workouts, culminating in a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp.
The CBA's rigid structure extends to the regular-season preparations of NFL teams. The period from the mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the first regular-season game is critical. Any player attempting to walk out after reporting risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, a move that would prevent them from playing for the rest of the season and freeze their contract for the following year.
Teams and Players: Negotiation Dynamics
Players like Ja'Marr Chase exemplify the delicate balance between player interests and team obligations. During June's mandatory minicamp, Chase refrained from participating in team drills beyond walkthroughs. With the Bengals exercising his fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for 2025, his potential absence without a new contract underscores the high stakes of these negotiations. Bengals president Mike Brown's perspectives provide insight into the team's stance: “He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it.”
Yet, the evolving scenario suggests a tactical interplay more subtle than outright defiance. “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,” Brown concluded.
High-Profile Contract Extensions
In the midst of evolving negotiation tactics, several high-profile contract extensions have been inked, setting benchmarks for others. Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings stands out, including $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. This deal elevates Jefferson to the upper echelons of NFL earners.
Similarly, other key players have secured lucrative deals. DeVonta Smith agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These agreements reflect the strategic maneuvers between players seeking deserved compensation and teams aiming to retain top talent.
These narratives emphasize the complexities of player-team dynamics within the NFL's economic structure. The new CBA has intensified the fine structure, particularly targeting non-rookie players. Nonetheless, the prospect of fine forgiveness for those still under rookie contracts provides a slender thread of flexibility in these negotiations.
Conclusion
The "hold-in" tactic, while a modern adaptation to the contractual landscape, underscores the continuous evolution of player advocacy within the NFL. As teams and athletes navigate the fine balance between financial penalties and ensuring top talent remains engaged, the emerging strategies reshape how contract negotiations will continue to unfold moving forward.