In case you needed more reasons to be pessimistic about a full 16 game regular season happening this Fall, NFL Network is now reporting that the league and the player’s union are negotiating an opt-out clause for those worried about COVID-19.
“My understanding is both the union and the league intend to have an opt-out for players who have either a pre-existing condition, family with pre-existing conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season” – NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
As both the MLB and NBA get their leagues going this month, we’ve seen marquis players from each sport deciding to sit out for personal and health reasons. Several NFL players have already voiced concerns over playing during a global pandemic, including former Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones.
Frustrating to hear the NFL has yet to address major issues regarding player health + safety with training being 2 weeks away. We just want to play football. Make it happen @NFL
— Byron Jones (@TheByronJones) July 9, 2020
At this point it’s unclear if players who opt out of the season will have their contracts effected, but it certainly would be a bad look for the league if players were to lose out on money if they were simply looking out for their health. Although the owners could argue that if you don’t play you won’t be paid. Either way, there’s a labor dispute coming down the road.
The question marks around this upcoming 2020 NFL season only seem to be increasing.
With all the modifications to the 2020 league year (if indeed we get one), the 2021 NFL Draft may find some pretty good teams with very good draft positions. Good teams (let’s just use KC as an example) who may have key players sit out the 2020 season for safety concerns could (for instance) end up 6-10 or worse. Then find themselves drafting on the Top-10 in every round next year, plus having these key players coming back. Could be quite a nice boon for some …
Like the scenario. What if the Cowboys come out of the 2020 NFL Season on the low end of the stick. The Cowboys could benefit greatly, building a foundation to be competitive for Super Bowls down the road, with selecting quality draft picks in the top 10.