The transformation in NFL contract negotiations since the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has seen the rise of the "hold-in" tactic. This approach allows players to display their dissatisfaction with contracts without the severe penalties associated with missing training camp.
The Financial Consequences
Under the current CBA, teams are mandated to fine players who skip training camp, significantly impacting their finances. Players with established contracts face a hefty $50,000 fine per day, while rookies are penalized $40,000 per day. Additionally, missing preseason games carries a severe penalty—equivalent to a week's base salary per game—affecting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks in their fifth-year options significantly.
The training camp period starts from the team's mandatory reporting date and extends to the Sunday before the regular-season opener. An important distinction within the CBA is that only those on rookie contracts can potentially have fines forgiven, offering some respite for newer players in contract disputes.
High-Profile Hold-Ins
One of the most notable uses of the "hold-in" tactic was by T.J. Watt in 2021. Watt's strategic move culminated in him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback just before the regular season began. This success has paved the way for other players to consider similar maneuvers.
Brandon Aiyuk, for instance, is scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 under his fifth-year option but expressed his discontent by skipping offseason workouts. Consequently, Aiyuk incurred a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp and later requested a trade just before training camp commenced.
Ja'Marr Chase: Potential Dilemma for Bengals
Another player potentially leveraging the "hold-in" approach is Ja'Marr Chase. The Cincinnati Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025. Despite this, Chase's minimal participation in June's mandatory minicamp and speculation that he might not play without a new contract places the Bengals in a challenging position.
Bengals president Mike Brown's comments reflect an awareness of the stakes: "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." While he emphasizes a focus on football, saying, "The offseason is a better time for that and we're going to try to keep focused on the football part," he also hints at the complexity of the situation: "I'm not going to rule anything out, but I will tell you that the die has probably been cast."
Should Chase follow through with a hold-in, the Bengals could exercise their rights under his contract and the CBA to end it. The maximum penalty for breaching Paragraph 2 of an NFL Player Contract is a fine equivalent to one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Moreover, a player leaving training camp after reporting risks placement on the reserve/left squad list, prohibiting play for the rest of the season and freezing the contract for the following year.
Other Significant Contracts
Beyond these individual scenarios, the financial landscape in the NFL continues to shift with significant contract extensions. Justin Jefferson signed 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 and Jaylen Waddle have secured lucrative deals with the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, respectively. Smith inked a three-year, $75 million deal, while Waddle landed a three-year extension worth $84.75 million.
These substantial contracts underscore the evolving dynamics of player negotiations and their implications within the framework of the current CBA. As players and teams navigate this complex territory, the strategic use of hold-ins and the financial repercussions outlined in the CBA will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the professional landscape of the NFL.