The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has seen significant shifts since the implementation of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Among the most notable changes is the increasing use of the "hold-in" tactic by players dissatisfied with their contracts.
In an era where missing training camp can be financially perilous, the "hold-in" tactic allows players to attend required activities while withholding full participation to signal their dissatisfaction. Under the current CBA, teams are obliged to fine players beyond their rookie contracts $50,000 per day for missing training camp. Rookies, while facing a slightly lower fine of $40,000 per day, are the only group with potential for fine forgiveness under the agreement.
The Financial Stakes
The penalties extend beyond training camp. Players missing preseason games face a week's base salary fine for each game missed. This rule especially targets 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, making the stakes high for players choosing to withhold participation.
T.J. Watt's 2021 contract negotiation is a prime example of successful "hold-in" tactics. His maneuver ultimately led to him becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback shortly before the regular-season opener. This trend has influenced other players' approaches to contract dissatisfaction in recent seasons.
Justin Jefferson’s recent contract with the Minnesota Vikings illustrates the financial rewards at stake. Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Meanwhile, similar lucrative deals have been secured by DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, further emphasizing the high stakes involved in these negotiations.
High Profile Cases
Brandon Aiyuk’s situation with the San Francisco 49ers highlights the complexities players face. Scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts, leading to a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. His dissatisfaction culminated in a trade request shortly before training camp began.
Ja'Marr Chase is another player under the spotlight. Despite the Cincinnati Bengals exercising a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for him in 2025, Chase did not participate in team drills beyond walkthroughs during June’s mandatory minicamp. There is growing speculation that Chase might not play without a new contract, prompting concerns within the Bengals organization. Bengals President Mike Brown commented, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it."
Brown added, "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."
Potential Penalties
Teams are empowered to enforce their rights under the player's contract and the CBA to end a "hold-in." The maximum penalty for a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 in the NFL Player Contract is severe: one week's salary fine and a four-week suspension without pay. Additionally, players who walk out after reporting to training camp risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which prevents them from playing for the rest of the season and freezes their contract for the following year.
As the NFL continues to grapple with player negotiations under the current CBA, the "hold-in" tactic remains a potent tool for players asserting their value without incurring the substantial fines associated with camp absences. Both teams and players are learning to navigate this evolving landscape, balancing financial penalties with the objective of securing favorable contract terms.