The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has undergone a seismic shift since the implementation of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This shift has imposed stiffer financial penalties for players who forgo attendance, thereby setting the stage for dramatic contract negotiations and some of the most high-stakes holdouts in recent football history.
Stringent Financial Penalties Under the 2020 CBA
The 2020 CBA constructed a more punitive framework for those missing training camps, with separate fines for various groups of players. Teams are mandated to fine players who are not on rookie contracts $50,000 per day of absence during training camp. For players on rookie deals, the fine stands at $40,000 per day. The agreement goes further, penalizing unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option with one week's base salary for each preseason game missed. However, it does permit fine forgiveness or reduction, but exclusively for players on rookie contracts.
Record-Breaking Deals and Holdouts
The NFL's new economic landscape saw significant financial maneuvers by players like Nick Bosa and Chris Jones. Bosa secured a landmark five-year, $170 million extension before the 2023 regular season commenced, breaking records for non-quarterback contracts with a whopping $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing. Conversely, Jones had a rare holdout that extended into the regular season, accumulating $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp alongside forfeiting a $500,000 workout bonus. However, Jones ultimately ended his 51-day holdout with a modified contract, pocketing an additional $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Veterans like Zack Martin also made notable achievements, securing a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract, with his previously unsecured 2024 base salary now fully guaranteed. Meanwhile, other players like Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick showcased the growing dissatisfaction among the league's stars by skipping mandatory minicamps due to contract issues. The penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp is set at $101,716, underscoring the stakes involved.
New Heights in Contract Negotiations
Justin Jefferson exemplified the shift in player power dynamics by signing a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, averaging $35 million per year. His contract included $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, setting a new standard for what elite players can demand.
CeeDee Lamb, coming off a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, has entered the conversation for potential record-breaking compensation. However, reports indicate that the Cowboys might hesitate to make Lamb the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, a decision that could spark further negotiation drama.
Rookies and Trades
Penei Sewell, another rising star, signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new benchmark for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. Player movements also added to the offseason narrative, with Haason Reddick being traded to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could escalate to a second-round pick based on his performance.
On the other hand, veterans like Amari Cooper continued to prove their worth. Cooper exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons for the Browns and capped his stellar performance with a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
The shifting financial dynamics under the 2020 CBA have undoubtedly added layers of complexity and drama to NFL contract negotiations. As players and teams navigate this new terrain, the stories of marquee names like Bosa, Jones, Jefferson, and Martin will continue to serve as benchmarks and cautionary tales for the next generation of NFL stars.