NFL, NFLPA in talks about possible player opt-outs over coronavirus concerns

“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 (members) with pre-existing conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season,” Pelissero said. “General managers were told on a call earlier this week there would be a specific date by which players would need to opt-out. That date is still to be determined.”

In regard to players opting out of returning amid the pandemic, the NBA and MLB are looking to return to play weeks before the NFL. Both of those respective leagues have seen players opt-out.

Recently, Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs took to social media to say “he’d be lying if he said he was comfortable” in a string of messages in regard to returning to playing. Prior to that, safety Micah Hyde had multiple players in the NFL he’s spoken to expressed to him they’re not quite such about returning, either. Former Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander also did the same. While no longer playing, the recently retired linebacker is still on the NFLPA’s executive committee and he had an interesting thought: What about coaches? Alexander said they might be even harder to replace.

With training camp set to begin in just a few weeks, the NFL and NFLPA need to act quick when it comes to details of any potential opt-outs ahead of the 2020 season.