The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has evolved notably under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One significant development has been the emergence of the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver players now frequently use to express dissatisfaction with their current deals while minimizing financial repercussions.
Understanding the "Hold-In" Tactic
Traditionally, players unhappy with their contracts might have opted to hold out, missing training camps to signal their resolve. However, under the present CBA, such absences come with steep fines. Players beyond their rookie contracts incur a penalty of $50,000 per day for missing training camp, while rookies are fined $40,000 per day. Teams are mandated to impose these fines, making the financial impact of holding out severe.
Additionally, players who miss preseason games face penalties of a week's base salary for each game missed, with specific penalties targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under fifth-year options. The training camp period runs from a team's mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the regular-season's opening game.
Only rookies have some leeway under the CBA for fine forgiveness, compelling seasoned players to seek alternative methods, thus the rise of the hold-in tactic. This strategy allows players to report to team activities without fully participating, reducing their exposure to hefty fines while still signaling their contractual discontent.
Notable Hold-Ins and Contract Negotiations
One of the most prominent examples of a successful hold-in tactic is T.J. Watt. In 2021, Watt held in, participating minimally in team activities to express his desire for a new contract. This strategy paid off when he became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season kicked off.
Looking at the current landscape, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's situation exemplifies the ongoing trend. Aiyuk, who is set to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under his fifth-year option, notably skipped offseason workouts and subsequently faced a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. His dissatisfaction with his contract eventually led him to request a trade shortly before training camp began. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals' star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June’s mandatory minicamp. The Bengals had exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025. Reports suggest that Chase might sit out games without a new contract, a move that could escalate tensions between him and the team.
Bengals President Mike Brown emphasized Chase's importance, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." Brown acknowledged that while negotiations might not be imminent, possibilities remain, "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."
Penalties and Risks
For players considering extreme actions, the CBA imposes additional penalties. The maximum penalty for a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract includes a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Furthermore, if a player walks out after reporting to training camp, he risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list. This move not only prevents him from playing for the rest of the season but also freezes his contract for the following year, significantly impacting his career trajectory.
Big Deals and Extensions
While some players navigate the intricacies of hold-ins, others secure lucrative extensions, shifting the dynamics within their respective teams. Justin Jefferson recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, a deal that includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. DeVonta Smith also landed a substantial contract, signing a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, Jaylen Waddle secured a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
The evolving landscape of NFL contract negotiations reflects the changing dynamics between players and teams under the current CBA. As players continue to leverage tactics like hold-ins to secure more favorable terms, the balance of power in negotiations remains in a state of flux, ensuring that these situations will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.