The NFL landscape has changed dramatically with the advent of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), reshaping how training camp holdouts are handled. The updated CBA has introduced heftier financial penalties for players who decide to skip training camp sessions, aiming to deter such absences and ensure full team participation.
One of the most notable changes is the mandatory fine structure that teams must impose. Players not on rookie contracts face a $50,000 daily fine for skipping training camp, whereas those on rookie contracts incur a slightly lower fine of $40,000 per day. The punitive measures don't stop there; unrestricted free agents and first-round picks under their fifth-year option are penalized further with the loss of one week's base salary for each missed preseason game.
Interestingly, the current agreement only allows fine forgiveness or reduction for players still on their rookie contracts, leaving veteran players to bear the full brunt of these penalties. This provision has already had significant consequences for high-profile players.
Noteworthy Holdouts and Contract Extensions
Nick Bosa became a headline figure just before the 2023 regular season kicked off. Bosa secured a monumental five-year, $170 million extension, setting records with $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing. This contract not only highlights Bosa's value on the field but also underscores the lengths to which teams will go to secure their key players, even amidst strict CBA penalties for holdouts.
In contrast, Chris Jones experienced a rare holdout that extended into the regular season. Jones amassed $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus. However, his 51-day holdout concluded with a modified contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year. This situation illustrates both the financial risk and potential reward of holding out for a better deal under the new CBA rules.
Impact on Established Veterans
Veteran players like Zack Martin have also sought and secured significant financial improvements. Martin negotiated a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract, with his previously unsecured 2024 base salary now fully guaranteed. This move demonstrates how experienced players can leverage their position and performance to restructure contracts favorably, even under the financial constraints imposed by the new CBA.
The stringent penalties weren't enough to deter players like Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick from skipping mandatory minicamps over contract issues. The fine for missing an entire three-day minicamp stands at $101,716, highlighting the significant risks these players are willing to take in pursuit of better contract terms.
Rising Stars and Future Negotiations
Young talents like Justin Jefferson are also making waves with groundbreaking contracts. Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, averaging $35 million per year. His deal included $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Such contracts for young stars set benchmarks for future negotiations, pushing the boundaries of player compensation in the NFL.
CeeDee Lamb, coming off a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, now faces the challenge of negotiating a new deal. Despite his stellar performance, there is speculation that the Cowboys may hesitate to make Lamb the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. This situation will be one to watch as Lamb and the Cowboys navigate the complexities of the updated CBA.
Another young talent making headlines is Penei Sewell, who signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions. Sewell's extension set a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees, underscoring the value placed on top-tier linemen in the league.
Seasoned Performers and Trade Dynamics
The ever-evolving NFL landscape isn't just about contracts but also about strategic trades. Haason Reddick was traded to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could escalate to a second-round pick based on performance. Reddick's impressive record, including a fourth straight season with double-digit sacks in 2023, makes him a valuable asset for the Jets.
Amari Cooper, another seasoned performer, has continued to showcase his receiving prowess. Exceeding 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons for the Browns and securing a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, Cooper remains a critical player for his team.
As the 2023 NFL season progresses, these contract developments and holdouts will undoubtedly influence team dynamics and the broader landscape of player negotiations. The stringent measures of the 2020 CBA have introduced a new era of financial discipline, causing both players and teams to navigate carefully the complex web of contracts, fines, and holdouts.