The landscape of NFL contract negotiations has evolved significantly under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), introducing new strategies and repercussions for players and teams alike. Particularly interesting is the emergence of the "hold-in" tactic, a maneuver players use to express contract dissatisfaction without the severe economic penalties associated with traditional holdouts.
The Financial Sting of Absences
Under the current CBA, teams are required to impose hefty fines on players who miss training camp. For those beyond their rookie contracts, the fine is a steep $50,000 per day, while rookies face a $40,000 per day penalty. There are additional penalties for missing preseason games, particularly targeting unrestricted free agents and first-round picks playing under their fifth-year options, who incur a week's base salary for each game missed. The CBA defines the training camp period as running from a team's mandatory reporting date through the Sunday before the first regular-season game.
Notably, the latitude for fine reduction or forgiveness present in previous CBAs has been tightened. Under the current agreement, only those on rookie contracts have potential for fine forgiveness, thus making the financial ramifications of absences even more severe.
The Hold-In Tactic
To navigate these rules, players have developed the "hold-in" tactic. This involves reporting to training camp but avoiding participation in practice as leverage for a new contract. Pittsburgh Steelers' edge rusher T.J. Watt famously used this strategy in 2021, essentially acting as a spectator during training camp and preseason practices until a few days before the regular-season opener, subsequently becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
Recent Hold-Ins and Contract Disputes
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is another player who has taken action to signal his contract dissatisfaction. Scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $14.124 million in 2024 on a fifth-year option, Aiyuk skipped offseason workouts and subjected himself to a $101,716 fine for missing the mandatory June minicamp. He even requested a trade shortly before the start of training camp.
Similarly, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has faced scrutiny. Although he passed the preseason physical, his participation in training camp has been limited. Chase was absent from offseason workouts until June's mandatory minicamp, where he did not partake in team drills beyond walkthroughs. The Bengals exercised a fully guaranteed $21.816 million fifth-year option for Chase in 2025, but there's speculation he may not play without a new contract. Bengals president Mike Brown acknowledged Chase's importance to the franchise, stating, "He's a key player next to Joe [Burrow]. He's our next one. He knows that. We know it." However, he suggested a deal is unlikely this year, commenting, "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 Consequences
If the Bengals prefer to wait until 2025, they could enforce their rights under Chase's contract and the CBA to end his hold-in. Alleging a breach or violation of Paragraph 2 (Employment And Services) in the NFL Player Contract could result in a maximum penalty of a fine of one week's salary and a four-week suspension without pay. Chase might opt for a mysterious injury to prolong his hold-in, similar to the case of Jalen Ramsey's "back ailment" in 2019, which led to his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Los Angeles Rams.
Without a new contract, Chase might decide to take extra caution with any injury, however minor. This brings to light the delicate balance players must navigate—being "healthy" versus "healthy enough to play." A player walking out after reporting to training camp risks being placed on the reserve/left squad list, which would prevent him from playing for the rest of the season and freeze his contract for the following year.
Market Setting Deals
Other wide receivers have secured significant contract extensions this season. Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, setting new records with $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Similarly, DeVonta Smith inked a three-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jaylen Waddle received a three-year, $84.75 million extension from the Miami Dolphins.
As teams and players continue to navigate the intricacies of the current CBA, the landscape of NFL contracts remains dynamic, with hold-ins becoming a pivotal part of the negotiation process. The coming seasons will undoubtedly shed more light on how these strategies and rules evolve in the ever-competitive world of professional football.