NFL Player Opt-Outs
67 players have opted-out of the 2020 NFL season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Patriots have lost the most players to this NFL option, while the Falcons, Chargers and Steelers don't have any players who have chosen not to play this season.
These players that have chosen to not play this year will fall into one of two categories.
Players at high risk of complications due to the coronavirus can opt out of the 2020 season and earn $350,000 and an accrued season toward free agency. That includes individuals with autoimmune disorders, chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, heart issues, etc.
Non-risk players can opt out of the 2020 season and earn $150,000. They do not accrue a season.
Teams will not have to carry a players cap charge on their 2020 salary cap if that player has opted out. Teams will also not be liable for any salary bonuses that may have been due in 2020 if that player has opted-out.
The money that a player receives from the opt-out policy will come-out of their 2021 salary next season. It is not free money, just an advance from their 2021 salary and will be deducted from what they were owed for the 2021 season.
The list of players who have chosen to skip the 2020 NFL season is below.
49ers
WR Travis Benjamin OT Shon Coleman C Jake Brendel
Bears
DT Eddie Goldman S Jordan Lucas
Bengals
OT Isaiah Prince DL Josh Tupou
Bills
CB E.J. Gaines DL Star Lotulelei
Broncos
OT Ja'Wuan James DL Kyle Peko
Browns
DT Andrew Billings OT Drake Dorbeck OG Drew Forbes OG Colby Gossett OG Malcolm Pridgeon
Buccaneers
OT Brad Seaton
Cardinals
OT Marcus Gilbert
Chargers
None
Chiefs
OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif OL Lucas Niang RB Damien Williams
Colts
S Rolan Milligan LB Skai Moore S Marvell Tell
Cowboys
CB Maurice Canady WR Stephen Guidry FB Jamize Olawale
Dolphins
WR Allen Hurns WR Albert Wilson II
Falcons
None
Giants
CB Sam Beal WR Da'Mari Scott OT Nate Solder
Jaguars
LB Lerentee McCray CB Rashaan Melvin DL Al Woods
Jets
WR Josh Doctson OL Leo Koloamatangi LB C.J. Mosley
Lions
WR Geronimo Allison DL John Atkins C Russell Bodine
Packers
Panthers
LB Jordan Mack LB Christian Miller
Patriots
RB Brandon Bolden OT Marcus Cannon S Patrick Chung LB Dont'a Hightower TE Matt LaCosse WR Marqise Lee OL Najee Toran FB Danny Vitale
Raiders
LB Ukeme Eligwe DB D.J. Killings DE Jeremiah Valoaga
Rams
OT Chandler Brewer
Ravens
OT Andre Smith WR De'Anthony Thomas
Saints
TE Jason Vander Laan TE Cole Wick
Seahawks
Steelers
None
Texans
Titans
Vikings
Washington Football Team
DL Caleb Brantley LB Josh Harvey-Clemons