The landscape of NFL training camp holdouts has evolved significantly under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which introduced more stringent financial penalties for players who abstain from attending. This strategy was intended to deter holdouts by penalizing players heavily for each day missed. However, despite these measures, notable players under contract, such as San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, and Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zack Martin, didn't report to training camp on time last year.
Under the current CBA, teams must fine players who aren't on rookie contracts $50,000 per day for training camp absences. Players on rookie contracts face a $40,000-per-day fine. Additionally, there is a punitive measure of one week's base salary for each preseason game missed by unrestricted free agents or first-round picks playing under their fifth-year option.
While previous CBAs allowed for fines to be reduced or waived, the current agreement only permits fine forgiveness or reduction for players still on rookie contracts. This change has pushed players to adopt new tactics, such as the "hold in," where they report to camp but either don’t practice or participate minimally to express contract dissatisfaction without facing financial repercussions. This tactic has become increasingly popular due to the harsh economic consequences of outright holdouts.
Star Players and Their Contract Negotiations
Nick Bosa, after his holdout, secured a lucrative five-year, $170 million extension before the 2023 regular season began. His deal set records for non-quarterback contracts with $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million fully guaranteed at signing. Chris Jones, on the other hand, had a rare holdout that extended into the regular season, racking up $2.25 million in mandatory fines for missing training camp and forfeiting a $500,000 workout bonus. He ended his 51-day holdout with a modified contract that added $5.5 million in new performance bonuses for the remaining 2023 contract year.
Zack Martin managed to secure a $9.35 million raise over the remaining two years of his contract, which runs through the 2024 season. His previously unsecured 2024 base salary is now fully guaranteed, illustrating that sometimes, the risk of holding out can pay off, although at significant initial costs.
The Wide Receiver Market Boom
In the wide receiver market, 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk, Browns' Amari Cooper, Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb, and Jets' edge rusher Haason Reddick all skipped mandatory minicamps over contract issues. Players risking fines for minicamp absences are usually the ones willing to incur financial penalties during training camp holdouts. The penalty for missing an entire three-day minicamp is $101,716.
The wide receiver market saw a substantial increase recently, with top players like Justin Jefferson signing a four-year, $140 million extension averaging $35 million per year with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson set new records with $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. CeeDee Lamb, after a record-breaking season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, likely expects to earn more than Jefferson’s $35 million annually. Yet, the Cowboys might hesitate to make Lamb the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, potentially saving that distinction for Micah Parsons when he signs his extension.
Other Major Contract Extensions
Penei Sewell, the Detroit Lions offensive tackle, also secured a significant extension this offseason. Signing a four-year, $112 million deal, Sewell set a new record for offensive linemen with $85 million in guarantees. This move underscores the importance of offensive line talent in the league, particularly for players who have proven versatility and high performance like Sewell and the Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs.
The Philadelphia Eagles' Haason Reddick, who was pivotal in transforming the team’s pass rush, also renegotiated his contract. Reddick was traded to the Jets in March for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could elevate to a second-round pick based on his performance. Reddick's 2023 season, his fourth straight with double-digit sacks, has cemented his status as a valuable defensive asset.
Amari Cooper's tenure with the Browns has produced the most prolific two years of his career. Acquired from the Cowboys in a trade, Cooper has exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons — a first for any Browns receiver. His performance, coupled with career highs in receiving yards and yards per catch, culminated in a deserved Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
These contract negotiations and renegotiations reflect broader trends and shifts within the NFL, where players are continually seeking to maximize their earnings within the constraints of the CBA. Whether through holdouts, hold-ins, or strategic negotiations, the dance between NFL players and teams over contracts remains as dynamic as ever.