Training camps around the NFL will open on Tuesday after the NFL and NFLPA agreed on work conditions that will help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the options available to players, per the agreement, is the ability to opt-out of the 2020 season, which several veterans are already taking advantage of.
One team that's had a significant number of players declare their intentions to sit out is the Patriots, who will be without starting linebacker Dont'a Hightower in 2020, among others.
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The Chiefs already lost starting guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who will instead use his medical degree to help his community combat the novel coronavirus.
NFL players have seven days from the date the agreement between the league and the NFLPA was signed to decide their playing status this season. According to ESPN, the following players have already opted-out (in addition to the Patriots players and Duvernay-Tardif):
- Caleb Brantley, DL, Washington
- Maurice Candy, CB, Dallas
- Chance Warmack, G, Seattle
- De'Anthony Thomas, WR, Baltimore
No Bears players have opted-out of the 2020 season so far.
NFL
Players who opt-out will receive $150,000 for the year but won't accrue a season for free agency. Players who are considered high-risk will receive $350,000 and will accrue a season toward free agency.