NFL and NFLPA are discussing plans for potential player opt-outs in 2020

Training camp kicks off in 19 days, and the NFL and NFLPA are facing all sorts of issues. The latest comes after a proposal was made after the NFL proposed 35% of player salaries be held in escrow to manage costs during the 2020 season.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that the league and union are anticipating player opt-outs and are trying to figure out a date where players must communicate whether or not they’re going to opt-out. Pelissero was on NFL NOW Wednesday morning: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that the league and union are anticipating player opt-outs and are trying to figure out a date where players must communicate whether or not they’re going to opt-out.

Pelissero was on NFL NOW Wednesday morning:

“My understanding is both the union and the league intend to have an opt-out for players who have either a pre-existing condition, family (members) with pre-existing conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season. General managers were told on a call earlier this week there would be a specific date by which players would need to opt-out. That date is still to be determined.”

The clock is ticking on the date, as training camp is right around the corner. If you opt-out, will you be allowed to opt back in? I have so many questions. Pelissero reported that possible tolling of contracts of players who opt-out is still to be determined and is something that would need to be agreed to prior to the start of training camp. “If you fear for your family’s health, you can opt-out, but we’re going to take a percentage of your contract” is how that reads. I can’t imagine how handcuffed the players feel when they see these leaks.