NFL's Evolving Contract Landscape: The Rise of the "Hold-In" Tactic
The dynamic of NFL contract negotiations continues to evolve, especially under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A significant shift has been the rise of the "hold-in" tactic, where players express contract dissatisfaction by attending training camp but not participating fully. This is a strategic maneuver to avoid the steep fines imposed by the current CBA for missing training camp.
Fine Structures and Penalties
Under the current agreement, teams are mandated to fine players who miss training camp—a stark difference from previous practices. Veterans beyond their rookie contracts face a stringent fine of $50,000 per day, while rookies incur a $40,000 daily fine. Furthermore, missing preseason games can be financially devastating, with penalties equating to a week's base salary for each game missed. These penalties target unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
Only players on their rookie contracts can potentially have these fines forgiven, underlining the financial incentives structured into the CBA to ensure participation. This makes the "hold-in" tactic a more appealing option for players looking to renegotiate without directly incurring heavy fines.
High-Profile Hold-Ins and Negotiations
T.J. Watt's 2021 hold-in is a textbook example of the tactic's effectiveness. By attending training camp but refraining from full participation, Watt leveraged his position and ultimately became the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL shortly before the regular season began. This successful use of the hold-in maneuver has not gone unnoticed by other players.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk recently pushed the boundaries by skipping offseason workouts, resulting in a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Aiyuk's dissatisfaction was evident as he requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp, reflecting escalating tensions between player demands and team management.
Similarly, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has adopted a partial hold-in approach. During June's mandatory minicamp, Chase refrained from participating in team drills beyond walkthroughs. With the Bengals exercising a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, the talented receiver's next move is critical. Bengals president Mike Brown hinted at the complexity of Chase's situation: "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it."
Brown continued, "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." This statement underscores the delicate ballet between managing current talent and planning future financial commitments.
Risks and Consequences
While "hold-ins" can be strategic, they come with significant risks. According to the CBA, the maximum penalty for violating Paragraph 2 of the NFL Player Contract includes a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Moreover, players who walk out after reporting to training camp can be placed on the reserve/left squad list, making them ineligible to play for the rest of the season and effectively freezing their contract for the following year.
Big Contracts in the Limelight
The NFL has seen a series of high-value contract extensions that reflect the financial stakes involved. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings signed an impressive four-year, $140 million extension, with $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. DeVonta Smith inked 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 lucrative deals set the benchmark for future negotiations.
As NFL contract dynamics continue to shift, the "hold-in" tactic exemplifies how players are navigating the intricate landscape of professional sports contracts. Balancing team commitments with personal financial security remains a delicate act—one that will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport.