The evolving landscape of NFL contract negotiations has seen the emergence of new tactics under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Among these is the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver players deploy to express dissatisfaction with their contracts without enduring hefty fines for missing training camps.
Understanding the "Hold-In" Tactic
Under the current CBA, teams are mandated to impose fines on players who miss training camp. This stipulation significantly impacts players, especially those beyond their rookie contracts, who face fines of $50,000 per day. Rookies are not exempt either, with fines set at $40,000 per day for missing training camp. Further penalties apply to missing preseason games, targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options. Missing these games incurs a penalty of a week's base salary for each game missed.
The training camp period extends from a team’s mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the first regular-season game. Notably, the only players eligible for fine forgiveness under the current CBA are those still on their rookie contracts.
The “hold-in” tactic involves players attending training camps but limiting their participation in team drills, a strategy used to avoid fines. This tactic gained significant attention when T.J. Watt utilized it in 2021, eventually becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season opened.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Stand and Financial Ramifications
Brandon Aiyuk made headlines when he skipped offseason workouts, leading to a hefty fine of $101,716 for missing the mandatory June minicamp. Scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk also requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp. This move highlights the financial and strategic considerations players weigh when voicing contract dissatisfaction.
Ja'Marr Chase: A Potential Hold-In
Ja'Marr Chase's situation with the Cincinnati Bengals underscores the tension between player leverage and team rights under the CBA. The Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, yet he did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. This decision fuels speculation that Chase might not play without a new contract.
Bengals president Mike Brown emphasized the team's stance: "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." However, he also hinted at complexities: "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."
The Bengals have several options to enforce their rights, including ending Chase's hold-in by leveraging penalties for a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract. The maximum penalty includes a fine of one week’s salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Additionally, if a player walks out after reporting to training camp, they may be placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would prevent them from playing for the rest of the season and freeze their contract for the following year.
High-Stakes Contracts and Negotiations
The importance of high-stakes contract negotiations is further illustrated through recent significant deals. Justin Jefferson inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings. His contract includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith agreed to a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jaylen Waddle secured a three-year, $84.75 million extension with the Miami Dolphins.
These deals highlight the financial dynamics at play and reflect the competitive landscape of the NFL, where players and teams continually negotiate terms that align with performance expectations and strategic goals.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the “hold-in” tactic and other negotiation strategies will remain central to the dialogue between players and teams. The ability to balance player satisfaction with team dynamics will be crucial as both sides navigate the intricacies of the current CBA.