Several Players Opt Out Of 2020 Season

[86WARD]

CBS Sports is tracking all of the decisions in one place.

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[vader29]

I think we all would like to completely opt out of 2020.

[86WARD]

Couple more added:


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DT Eddie Goldman

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DL Star Lotulelei

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LB Dont'a Hightower
OT Marcus Cannon
RB Brandon Bolden
FB Danny Vitale
OL Najee Toran

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OT Andre Smith
WR De'Anthony Thomas

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TE Cole Wick

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[st33lersguy]

Patsies got hit hard

[teegre]

Patsies got hit hard

I smell a rat. There’s probably some little-known by-law that says if you lose 6 or more players to a disease (COVID) you automatically get a Top Ten pick in the subsequent draft.

Really. This is NOT some coincidence.

[86WARD]

I smell a rat. There’s probably some little-known by-law that says if you lose 6 or more players to a disease (COVID) you automatically get a Top Ten pick in the subsequent draft.

Really. This is NOT some coincidence.

Sounds like the players talked a lot and a bunch decided to bail.

[Craic]

I smell a rat. There’s probably some little-known by-law that says if you lose 6 or more players to a disease (COVID) you automatically get a Top Ten pick in the subsequent draft.

Really. This is NOT some coincidence.

This is exactly what I'm thinking, but rather than a little-known law, it's called "Tanking the season." Notice some of the names sitting out. Then, notice the one position they really need to fill next year in the draft. Coincidence?

[teegre]

This is exactly what I'm thinking, but rather than a little-known law, it's called "Tanking the season." Notice some of the names sitting out. Then, notice the one position they really need to fill next year in the draft. Coincidence?

Abhorrence for Lawrence

[tom444]

This is exactly what I'm thinking, but rather than a little-known law, it's called "Tanking the season." Notice some of the names sitting out. Then, notice the one position they really need to fill next year in the draft. Coincidence?

Rebooting.

[Mojouw]

I don't think it is some carefully concocted conspiracy. 3 of those guys for the Pats are bottom of the roster journeymen. Not impact players. Chung and Hightower are a big deal and will negatively impact the defense without a doubt.

Cannon is a cancer survivor and likely decided the risk wasn't worth the reward. I read that Conner says he will play. I bet if Conner still had 2 well paid years left on his deal, he might not be playing either.

[Craic]

I don't think it is some carefully concocted conspiracy. 3 of those guys for the Pats are bottom of the roster journeymen. Not impact players. Chung and Hightower are a big deal and will negatively impact the defense without a doubt.

Cannon is a cancer survivor and likely decided the risk wasn't worth the reward. I read that Conner says he will play. I bet if Conner still had 2 well paid years left on his deal, he might not be playing either.

I don't know, taking what very well might be your top two guys out along with some bottom level guys is a great way make it look all above board. Funny thing, my best friend who is a Pats* fan said even he thought that might be what was going on.

[tom444]

I'm taking Dont'a at his word until I hear something more than just conspiracy theory.

Pats Nation, you have supported me unconditionally over the last 8 years. Through Super Bowl victories (3 of em!), season-ending injuries, the occasional “Boomtower” TD, strip sacks, charity events, and everything in between. I appreciate that support more than you know, and I appreciate that same support and understanding now more than ever.[/COLOR]

This wasn’t an easy decision, or one I made lightly, but I do feel that it’s the best decision for my family at this time. I’m so grateful for the support of my teammates and coaches as well, and I will try to continue to lead and help as much as I can. 202 has been a challenging year for our world. I hope you can all continue to be a light in these dark times — more light and great times are ahead. Thank you and stay safe!

[86WARD]

Chiefs RB Damien Williams pots out today.

[BnG_Hevn]

I smell a rat. There’s probably some little-known by-law that says if you lose 6 or more players to a disease (COVID) you automatically get a Top Ten pick in the subsequent draft.

Really. This is NOT some coincidence.

The Patriots drive the players hard, it's like if you hate your boss and you have sick days on the books so you take them all at the end of the year, not caring if it pisses off your boss

[steelreserve]

I smell a rat. There’s probably some little-known by-law that says if you lose 6 or more players to a disease (COVID) you automatically get a Top Ten pick in the subsequent draft.

Really. This is NOT some coincidence.

I remember reading that the agreement the league and the players worked out said that if you opt out of the season, you get a minimal amount like $150,000 and your contract tolls (basically, stays in place and the contract year that would have been 2020 is now your 2021 instead). If you opted in and then the season was canceled out from under you, it was a slightly higher amount like $300k, plus you got credit for a year of service if they played any regular-season games.

It is not very favorable for the players to opt out, unless maybe you thought you might get cut and not get picked up in FA. Great for the team though, if it's not going all-out in 2020. Lets them keep their salary cap in place and make decisions on key contracts later.

I haven't looked at the individual contracts of those players and what implications it would have for them or the team - but my guess would be they were told, "look, you can kick back and take your $150k, and keep your contract and benefits, and we'll see what happens next season - otherwise we are just cutting you outright."

[tom444]

I remember reading that the agreement the league and the players worked out said that if you opt out of the season, you get a minimal amount like $150,000 and your contract tolls (basically, stays in place and the contract year that would have been 2020 is now your 2021 instead). If you opted in and then the season was canceled out from under you, it was a slightly higher amount like $300k, plus you got credit for a year of service if they played any regular-season games.

It is not very favorable for the players to opt out, unless maybe you thought you might get cut and not get picked up in FA. Great for the team though, if it's not going all-out in 2020. Lets them keep their salary cap in place and make decisions on key contracts later.

I haven't looked at the individual contracts of those players and what implications it would have for them or the team - but my guess would be they were told, "look, you can kick back and take your $150k, and keep your contract and benefits, and we'll see what happens next season - otherwise we are just cutting you outright."

I heard that Hightower and Chung are getting $150,000 and that Cannon is getting somewhere around $300,000. Both Hightower and Chung have saved their money over the years so they're all set. This won't bother them much.

[86WARD]

I remember reading that the agreement the league and the players worked out said that if you opt out of the season, you get a minimal amount like $150,000 and your contract tolls (basically, stays in place and the contract year that would have been 2020 is now your 2021 instead). If you opted in and then the season was canceled out from under you, it was a slightly higher amount like $300k, plus you got credit for a year of service if they played any regular-season games.

It is not very favorable for the players to opt out, unless maybe you thought you might get cut and not get picked up in FA. Great for the team though, if it's not going all-out in 2020. Lets them keep their salary cap in place and make decisions on key contracts later.

I haven't looked at the individual contracts of those players and what implications it would have for them or the team - but my guess would be they were told, "look, you can kick back and take your $150k, and keep your contract and benefits, and we'll see what happens next season - otherwise we are just cutting you outright."

$150k that is paid back next season when the contract tolls. $350k if it’s a medical or high risk reason. Also paid back next season. It’s not like they are getting free money. It’s paid back out of the contract when it tolls in 2021.

If the player has young kids or babies at home (Hightower, Goodwin, etc) it is VERY favorable for them to opt out.

[steel striker]

Yeah you can't blame the players for opting out of the season.

[86WARD]

But can the players opt back in?

[j-d-s]

No. Once you opt out, you're stuck for the entire season: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2020/...hiefs-patriots

[Moose]

Bellycheat has a 'trick' up his sleeve, NO DOUBT. He's going to have a losing season ( player's opt out) , and then have a No.1 pick at the QB.

[Born2Steel]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...tion-loophole/


I can't find anything on draft picks vs players opting out, but this article talks about contracts are non-renegotiable during an opt out. If this is anything it's a play by the Pats to keep certain personnel under 2020 contracts thru 2021 and betting that there will be a shortened season in 2020. Probably a safe bet, but other than full on tanking I don't find how this turns into high draft picks. Still looking into it, post any findings on here. This is an interesting discussion.

[Born2Steel]

Not really "on topic" but in the discussion. This article talks about the AFC East and how opt outs could effect the division.

https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08...-the-afc-east/

[tom444]

Not really "on topic" but in the discussion. This article talks about the AFC East and how opt outs could effect the division.

https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08...-the-afc-east/

The Pats are up to 8 opt outs.

[86WARD]

Geronimo Allison is the latest to opt out. Both Stafford and Minshew test positive.


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