Players opting out of 2020 season

Players opting out of 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus concerns: Tracking the full list (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29533526/players-opting-2020-nfl-season-coronavirus-concerns-tracking-full-list)

Starting to see some significant names

Oh no, Caleb Brantley!


A lot of Patriots on that list. Hightower is the most significant.

Players opting out of 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus concerns: Tracking the full list (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29533526/players-opting-2020-nfl-season-coronavirus-concerns-tracking-full-list)

Starting to see some significant names

Donta Hightower is a big name. Was set to make 8M this year. That's a lot of money to turn down, has to be really concerned.
Wonder if it snow balls into even more people and/or bigger names opting out...

Can someone explain for me how the salaries work? If they turn down playing, do they forgo their salary for the season?

I'd be surprised if every team didn't have multiple players who opted out, especially those who are high risk or have high risk families at home. The game isn't worth the risk.

Can someone explain for me how the salaries work? If they turn down playing, do they forgo their salary for the season?

From what I read online, they get 150K (350K for high risk profile) and the contract is pushed one year forward. High risk guys get an accrued season, I don't think others do.

From what I read online, they get 150K (350K for high risk profile) and the contract is pushed one year forward. High risk guys get an accrued season, I don't think others do.


That's my understanding too.

Caleb Brantley is high risk ... so it's hard to blame him.

Does anyone know what his salary would have been? I'm curious how big a cut he's taking opting out this year, getting the $350K.

NFL site has a good breakdown of what opting out means and who has so far:

https://www.nfl.com/news/list-of-nfl-players-to-opt-out-of-2020-season

Interesting that it's seen as an advance on salary, so presumably they lose the money from next years salary when they return. Be curious to know how that works out if they are cut etc. prior to next season. Will the NFL/team waive the money if there are no owed earnings to deduct it from?

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29559709/giants-ot-nate-solder-opts-cites-family-health-concerns

Nate Solder

Bad news, this turnstile is craping out for the season. His garbage play will be missed

Solder's son Hudson, 5, was diagnosed with a rare Wilms tumor in both kidneys at a young age. Solder missed practices at times last year while his son underwent cancer treatments and checkups.

Solder, 32, is also a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during a routine physical prior to the 2014 season. He played that season for the New England Patriots.

Solder signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Giants in 2018. He was set to earn $13 million and count $19.5 million against the salary cap this year.

Players considered high risk for COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they opt out. Players without risk can be fronted $150,000.

The Giants were aware Solder opting out this year was a possibility. They had contingency plans in place, in part because they loaded up at tackle this offseason. Two of the Giants' first three picks in this year's draft were offensive tackles. They also signed veteran swing tackle Cameron Fleming as a free agent.

The Giants selected Andrew Thomas fourth overall out of the University of Georgia and followed that up with the selection of UConn's Matt Peart in the third round. Thomas is likely to take over now at left tackle for Solder.

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Dang, hope little dude ends up okay.

Giants get 19.5M in added cap space. If they viewed themselves as a contender this season I could see them adding Clowney but I dont think they do but they love edge rushers as their MO.