In recent years, the dynamics of NFL training camp holdouts have experienced a notable transformation. Central to this shift has been the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which introduced more stringent financial penalties designed to deter players from skipping training camp.
Training Camp Holdouts: Penalties and Consequences
The financial repercussions for players missing training camp have become significantly more severe under the new CBA. Players who abstain from attending and are not on rookie contracts face fines of $50,000 per day. Meanwhile, those still on rookie deals are subject to $40,000 per day fines. The agreement also imposes a week's base salary penalty for each missed preseason game for unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option.
Fine leniency, however, is strictly limited to players who are still on rookie contracts, reflecting the CBA's tough stance on veteran absences. This stipulation has added a layer of complexity and strategy to contract negotiations and holdout decisions.
Notable Contract Deals and Holdouts
The 2023 season witnessed several high-profile holdouts and landmark contract extensions. Defensive end Nick Bosa, for instance, secured a record-setting five-year, $170 million extension before the regular season commenced. Bosa's deal set new benchmarks for non-quarterback contracts, with $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Another notable case was Chris Jones, whose holdout extended into the regular season — a rare occurrence under the current CBA. Jones accumulated $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus. Ultimately, Jones ended his 51-day holdout with a revised contract that included an additional $5.5 million in performance bonuses for the 2023 contract year.
Contract Renegotiations and Player Movements
Zack Martin also made headlines by securing a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract. Crucially, his previously unsecured 2024 base salary is now fully guaranteed, providing him with greater financial security.
The offseason buzz wasn't limited to contract extensions. Players like Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Haason Reddick chose to skip mandatory minicamps due to contract disputes. The penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp stands at $101,716, underscoring the significant financial stakes involved in these decisions.
Record-Setting Seasons and Future Implications
Several players not only made contractual waves but also delivered standout performances on the field. Justin Jefferson, for instance, inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, averaging $35 million per year. His deal included $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, reflecting his critical importance to the team's offensive scheme.
CeeDee Lamb had a phenomenal season, recording 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite his record-breaking performance, the Dallas Cowboys remain cautious about elevating him to the status of the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
On the offensive line, Penei Sewell secured a four-year, $112 million deal with the Detroit Lions, setting a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. Meanwhile, Haason Reddick was traded to the New York Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could escalate to a second-round pick based on his performance. Reddick recorded his fourth consecutive season with double-digit sacks in 2023, showcasing his consistent production as a pass rusher.
Amari Cooper continued to be a reliable asset for the Cleveland Browns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. His performance underscores his value and reliability as a top-tier wide receiver.
The evolving landscape of NFL contract negotiations and training camp holdouts reveals the intricate balance between financial strategy and on-field performance. As players and teams navigate the complexities of the current CBA, the stakes remain high, and the outcomes continue to shape the league's competitive dynamics and financial landscape.