Breaking News
At least five NFL players will NOT participate in the 2020 season over COVID-19 concerns … with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and more losing players on Monday.
Several teams just announced the opt-outs … with the most notable, Baltimore Ravens returner and wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas, coming early Monday morning.
Other players joining the former Oregon Ducks star Monday included: Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady, Washington D-lineman Caleb Brantley, Seahawks O-lineman Chance Warmack and Patriots fullback Danny Vitale.
Of course, the fivesome joins Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif … who opted out over the weekend, choosing instead to use his doctorate background this year to help fight coronavirus.
My decision regarding the 2020 NFL season pic.twitter.com/jrY3nZfNWO
— Laurent D. Tardif (@LaurentDTardif) July 25, 2020
@LaurentDTardif
The NFL — as part of its collective bargaining agreement for this season — is allowing players to opt out this year if they feel uncomfortable playing amid the pandemic.
The league says players deemed to be at “high-risk” of being affected by coronavirus can make a $350,000 stipend for opting out. The rest, meanwhile, can make $150,000 in a salary advance if they choose to sit.
Per the agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, the players opting out will have their current contracts toll into next season.