In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL contract negotiations, the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has introduced new dynamics that both players and teams must navigate. One such tactic that has caught the attention of the football world is the "hold-in," a strategy players use to express dissatisfaction with their current contracts without facing the severe penalties associated with missing training camp.
The Rise of the "Hold-In" Tactic
Traditionally, players unhappy with their contracts would hold out, missing training camp in protest. However, under the current CBA, this approach comes at a steep cost. Teams are required to impose hefty fines on players who miss training camp, with players beyond their rookie contracts facing fines of $50,000 per day, and rookies incurring $40,000 per day. There are also significant penalties for missing preseason games, such as a week's base salary for each game missed, targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
To avoid these fines, players like T.J. Watt have adopted the "hold-in" method, where they report to training camp but participate minimally, often citing minor injuries or focusing on non-team activities. In 2021, Watt's use of the hold-in strategy ultimately led to him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener.
High-Stakes Contract Disputes
The effectiveness of the hold-in tactic is evident in the current situations of several high-profile players. Brandon Aiyuk, for example, skipped offseason workouts and subsequently faced a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Despite the fines, Aiyuk requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp, signaling his dissatisfaction and willingness to escalate the situation further.
Similarly, Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals has taken a non-participatory stance in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. With the Bengals exercising a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, the team stands at a crossroads. Bengals president Mike Brown has acknowledged the importance of Chase to the team's future, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." However, Brown also suggested that the timing of such negotiations might be better suited for the offseason, adding, "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."
Possible Consequences and Enforcement
While teams understand the leverage players seek through hold-ins, they also hold significant contractual rights to enforce compliance. Under the NFL Player Contract, a maximum penalty for a breach or violation can include a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Moreover, if a player reports to training camp only to subsequently walk out, they risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which prevents them from playing for the rest of the season and effectively freezes their contract for the following year. Such measures are designed to deter players from extending their protests too far and ensure that contract negotiations remain within certain bounds.
Recent Major Contracts and Their Implications
Several recent high-profile contract extensions highlight the financial stakes at play. Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings includes $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, while Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins. These substantial contracts underscore the escalating market value for top-tier talent and the increasing pressures on both players and teams to navigate the complexities of modern contract negotiations effectively.
The evolution of NFL contract negotiations continues to shape the dynamics between players and teams. As players leverage hold-ins and other tactics to secure their financial futures, teams face the challenge of balancing these demands with their salary cap constraints and long-term organizational goals. The ongoing developments in cases like those of Brandon Aiyuk and Ja'Marr Chase will undoubtedly provide further insight into the strategies and consequences of hold-ins and the broader landscape of NFL contract negotiations.