The NFL began intakes of veteran players on Tuesday, as they look to press forward in hopes there will be a 2020 season. Rookies and quarterbacks reported to team facilities last week, with the Dallas Cowboys welcoming Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, their seven draft selections and multiple UDFAs to The Star in Frisco. The rest of the veterans are scheduled to report Tuesday to begin the series of Covid-19 tests. Each player has to test negatively three times in order to enter the facility to begin offseason work.
Thus far, the team has had one player, second-year wideout Jon’vea Johnson test positive, and he was placed on the special Covid-19-reserve list. Yesterday, free agent signing Maurice Canady was the first veteran to take advantage of the voluntary opt-out process to protect his and his family’s safety and on Tuesday a second name emerged, UDFA and Mississippi State WR Stephen Guidry.
A second player has told the Cowboys he intends to opt out of this season. WR Stephen Guidry, an undrafted rookie out of Mississippi State, has elected not to compete for a roster spot.
Veteran CB Maurice Canady has also informed the club he won’t play this season.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) July 28, 2020
Both players had an uphill climb to make this year’s roster, with Guidry’s task having more to do with outshining other UDFA rookies in Aaron Parker and Kendrick Rogers, as well as a litany of young veterans competing for what would likely be practice squad roles.
CB Maurice Canady and WR Stephen Guidry have been officially placed on the Reserve/Opt-Out List.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) July 28, 2020
Opt-out players who have time in the league or were drafted are eligible for a $150,000 stipend, but as an UDFA it appears Guidry cannot collect on that money. His contract does toll to the 2021 season, so he will then be eligible to compete for a roster spot next season.
Guidry signed for a $10,000 signing bonus and received $100,000 in guaranteed 2020 base salary, which will now be his 2021 guarantee.
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