The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has undergone a significant transformation under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This shift has introduced stringent financial penalties aimed at curbing player absences, fundamentally altering the dynamics and strategies behind contract negotiations.
The Weight of Financial Penalties
Under the 2020 CBA, the consequences of missing training camp are more severe than ever. Players not on rookie contracts face a hefty $50,000 fine for each day they are absent. For players still on their rookie deals, the fine is $40,000 per day. These fines are mandatory, and the current agreement only allows for fine forgiveness or reduction for players still on rookie contracts.
Additionally, players who are unrestricted free agents or first-round picks under their fifth-year option face even more significant punitive measures. Missing a preseason game results in a loss of one week's base salary per game. This compounding financial pressure has led to fewer prolonged holdouts and swifter resolutions between players and teams.
High-Stakes Holdouts and Resolutions
Despite the penalties, some high-profile players have opted to hold out, leveraging their value to secure improved contracts. Nick Bosa, for instance, successfully secured a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers just before the 2023 regular season commenced. This deal set new records for non-quarterback contracts, boasting $122.5 million in overall guarantees and an impressive $88 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs took a different path with a holdout that extended into the regular season. Jones accumulated $2.25 million in mandatory fines due to his training camp absence and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus. Eventually, his 51-day holdout concluded with a modified contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 season.
Similarly, Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys also saw a fruitful resolution to his holdout. Martin secured a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract, with his previously unsecured 2024 base salary now fully guaranteed.
Mandatory Minicamp Absences
Beyond training camp, mandatory minicamp absences also carry significant penalties. A fine of $101,716 is imposed for players missing an entire three-day minicamp. This year, notable players including Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick all skipped minicamps due to contract issues.
Major Contract Extensions and Significant Seasons
The 2023 season saw notable contract extensions and standout performances. Justin Jefferson inked a massive four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which averages $35 million per year. Jefferson's deal includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing.
CeeDee Lamb had a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, making him a pivotal player for the Cowboys. However, the Cowboys may hesitate to make Lamb the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback given the financial landscape.
Offensive lineman Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. Meanwhile, Haason Reddick was traded to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick that could elevate to a second-round pick based on performance. Reddick continued to showcase his defensive prowess with his fourth consecutive season achieving double-digit sacks in 2023.
Amari Cooper also had an outstanding season, exceeding 1,000 receiving yards for the Browns in consecutive seasons and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. These individual triumphs highlight the high stakes and significant rewards involved in NFL contract negotiations and holdouts.
The financial landscape of the NFL, shaped by the stringent provisions of the 2020 CBA, continues to influence player decisions and team strategies. Each holdout and subsequent resolution underscores the evolving dynamics of the league, where the balance of power and negotiation gravitas continually shifts between players and franchises.