Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
NFL rookies are slated to perform at training camps on Tuesday. There are still several concerns from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) about how the league plans to address any COVID-19 related issues that may come up during training camp or the season.
The NFLPA told media on Friday that NFL team doctors believe it is safe to start training camps and gave the go-ahead to do so.
The NFL submitted a proposal to the NFLPA for a plan in case any player wishes to opt out of training camp or play this season. Under the proposal, each player who decides to do so will receive $ 150,000, less any money already paid this year, in lieu of their scheduled salary to be earned after the opt-out date.
“The deadline to make an all-or-nothing decision comes August 1 at 5:00 pm ET,” reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “The team must receive a written notice before that time; once a notice is received about a certain player, the opt-out becomes irrevocable. Therefore, unlike a holdout (which can end at any time) , the player who chooses out cannot play at all in 2020. “
That makes the option to reject an all or nothing situation. There would be no going back if a player chooses not to participate and then decides that it is safe to return.
However, the $ 150,000 payment is considered an advance on any salary earned in 2021, after a player returns.
“This implies that players who are not under contract by 2021 would not be eligible for the stipend,” adds Florio.
Another key element is that the player will not benefit from a cumulative season. The contract would resume in 2021. And no NFL team can renegotiate a contract with any player who has decided to unsubscribe.
The opt out option could also create an interesting situation for some undrafted rookies. They haven’t had the benefit of testing themselves against their new NFL coaches during offseason practice, and they don’t have the typical assurance of being a draft pick.
An NFL executive told Florio, “If you were an undrafted player who couldn’t team up, why not choose not to participate?”
H / ta Patrick Tulini for the find.
NFL Players Association (NFLPA) President JC Tretter and CEO DeMaurice Smith spoke to the media on Friday and provided several updates as the players prepare to return to work. The rookies are slated to perform at training camp next week, and others will do so the following week. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco has been providing several updates via Twitter of the video call. Below are those updates, which give you an idea of where the two sides are with the whole of the league to get started in a matter of days. NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith says he has heard from coaches who have told him
The NFL is trying to find a way to prepare for the worst. The COVID-19 pandemic is not slowing down and could threaten the 2020 NFL season, impacting league-wide revenue and future salary caps. It’s that uncertainty that has likely stalled a new contract for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. It also prompted the NFL to propose temporarily withholding 35 percent of players’ salaries to help manage potential losses from next season, according to NFL Tom Pelissero
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a broken Jones’ left foot during a session during player-organized practice in Tennessee. His recovery time is expected to get closer to the start of the 2020 season, and hopefully no further, if all goes well. Of course, that’s assuming the 2020 season takes place. The NFL is moving forward as it were, but is trying to be cautious in its approach. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to derail the league’s plans. The NFL has already proposed canceling half of the preseason schedule.
