The deadline for opt-outs has come and gone.
The New England Patriots’ league-high eight opt-outs, due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, are official: tackle Marcus Cannon, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, tight end Matt LaCosse, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Dan Vitale, receiver Marqise Lee and guard Najee Toran. The Patriots did not see any new opt-outs on the final day of the deadline.
It’s unclear, however, if this will be the last of opt-outs. Players can technically elect not to play during the 2020 season by retiring. They would forfeit their salary and may have to return a portion of their signing bonus. They would also be passing on the stipend (either $150,000 or $350,000) for players who elected to opt out. But if the NFL’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is bad enough, perhaps we’ll see players retire to skip the season.
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