NFL rookies are scheduled to report to training camps on Tuesday. There are still several concerns from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on how the league plans to address any COVID-19-related issues that might arise during training camp or the season.
The NFLPA on Friday told the media that NFL team doctors believe it is safe to begin training camps and gave the go-ahead to do so.
The NFL sent a proposal to the NFLPA for a plan should any players want to opt-out of reporting to training camp or playing this season. Under the proposal, each player who decides to do so would receive $150,000, minus any money already paid this year, in lieu of his scheduled salary to be earned after the date of the opt-out.
"The deadline for making an all-or-nothing decision arrives on August 1, at 5:00 p.m. ET," reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Written notice 'must be received' by the team before that moment; once notice is received as to a given player, the opt-out becomes irrevocable. Thus, unlike a holdout (which can end at any time), the player who opts out cannot play at all in 2020."
That makes the option to opt-out an all-or-nothing situation. There would be no turning back should a player opt-out and then decide it is safe to return.
The $150,000 payment is considered an advance, however, on any salary to be earned in 2021, after a player returns.
"This implies that players not under contract for 2021 would not be eligible for the stipend," adds Florio.
Another key item is that the player will not benefit from an accrued season. The contract would resume in 2021. And no NFL team may renegotiate a contract with any player who has decided to opt-out.
The option to opt-out might also create an interesting situation for some undrafted rookies. They have not had the benefit of proving themselves to their new NFL coaches during offseason practices and don't have the security typical of being a draft pick.
One NFL executive told Florio: "If you were an undrafted player who could not make team, why not opt-out?"
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
