The agreement between the NFL and NFLPA includes a two-tiered opt out for players.
One opt out is a medical designation for high-risk players, and another is voluntary, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports.
Players have until Aug. 3 to opt out.
The opt out is irrevocable, and players in either plan will receive a stipend. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that those NFL players considered high risk to COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if choose to opt out of the 2020 season. Players without risk can earn $150,000 for opt-out with no accrued season.
Either way, the contract tolls.
Fowler reports that “many players asked a lot questions related to opt outs on union conference calls” and quoted a source as saying, “A lot of guys don’t want to play.”
Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and Buccaneers offensive tackle Donovan Smith are among those who have said publicly they are considering whether to play.