The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has seen significant shifts in recent years, thanks in large part to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). One of the key tactics that has emerged is the "hold-in," a maneuver players use to show dissatisfaction with their current contract terms without risking the severe penalties of a traditional holdout.
The Mechanism of Fines and Penalties
Under the current CBA, teams are mandated to impose fines on players who miss training camps. Players beyond their rookie contracts are fined $50,000 per day, while rookies incur a fine of $40,000 per day for their absence. This doesn't just stop at training camps. Missing preseason games incurs a penalty of one week's base salary for each game missed—a rule targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options.
The training camp period lasts from a team's mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the first regular-season game. While players on rookie contracts may have the potential for fine forgiveness, veterans do not enjoy this leniency.
Notable Hold-Ins and Their Outcomes
In 2021, T.J. Watt utilized the "hold-in" tactic to push for a better deal, successfully becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the start of the regular season. This move has set a precedent for other players looking to maximize their contract situations.
Brandon Aiyuk, poised to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, skipped offseason workouts and was fined $101,716 for missing the mandatory June minicamp. His decision to request a trade shortly before the start of training camp underscores the tension inherent in these negotiations.
Ja'Marr Chase also found himself at the center of a contract dispute. Although the Cincinnati Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, he did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June's mandatory minicamp. There are indications that Chase might not play without a new contract, putting the Bengals in a difficult position. As Bengals president Mike Brown stated, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." However, Brown also highlighted the timing issues, saying, "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 Consequences of Contract Breaches
The consequences for these hold-ins and other contract breaches can be severe. The maximum penalty for a violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract is a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Additionally, if a player leaves after reporting to training camp, they risk being 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 and Big Deals
Several high-profile contracts have been signed recently, highlighting the high stakes involved. Justin Jefferson inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Similarly, DeVonta Smith signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Jaylen Waddle secured a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
As the NFL continues to evolve under the new CBA, the dynamics between players and teams during contract negotiations will likely remain complex and nuanced. The "hold-in" tactic, fines, and large-scale contract extensions are all part of the intricate dance that defines the modern NFL offseason, with both players and teams navigating a landscape filled with opportunities and risks.