The same day MLB saw a COVID-19 outbreak, several NFL players have chosen not to participate in the upcoming season.
The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday that wide receiver and return specialist De’Anthony Thomas has been added to the team’s reserve list as a voluntary opt-out option. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Seattle Seahawks guard Chance Warmack and Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady will also exercise their options for the season. New England Patriots fullback Danny Vitale is also choosing not to participate, according to his agent. As is the Patriots’ guard, Najee Toran, according to the Boston Globe.
Meanwhile, Washington defensive end Caleb Brantley received a “high risk” option, a designation that allows him to collect a stipend of $ 350,000 and a cumulative season. Players who do not receive the designation receive a $ 150,000 advance on their 2021 contracts and do not accumulate a season. Why Brantley was granted the exemption is unclear.
They all join Kansas City Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who on Friday became the first NFL player to choose to exit the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Players who chose not to participate on Monday have not spoken publicly about their decisions.
MLB Outbreak A Warning To The NFL?
The NFL’s planned season will face many of the same challenges as the MLB, which was forced to postpone two games on Monday after at least 11 Miami Marlins roster members and coaching staff were reportedly left behind. They tested for COVID-19. The outbreak came just days after the start of the postponed baseball season, which saw its opening day delayed Thursday.
MLB is moving forward with its season despite concerns that the outbreak would force it to consider cancellation.
Like MLB, the NFL intends to conduct a season with a normal travel schedule that includes players and staff traveling to and from COVID-19 hot spots such as Miami, Phoenix, and Houston. There is no discussion in the NFL of playing in a bubble like the NBA and NHL, who are taking additional steps to mitigate exposure to the coronavirus.
Will players get another NFL shot?
Thomas, 27, divided his time last season with the Ravens and Chiefs. The six-year NFL veteran played primarily as a kick and punt returner in 2019. Warmack, 28, signed with the Seahawks this offseason and was expected to compete for backup work. The former No. 10 general team has not played in the NFL since the 2018 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Canady, 26, played 13 games with the New York Jets and Ravens last season.
Duvernay-Tardif has started five consecutive seasons for the Chiefs and would appear to have a secure role in the NFL if he decides to return. The same cannot be said of all those who choose not to participate.
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