11 High-Profile NFL Players Who Opted Out of the 2020 Season — And How Much They Lost

Football is a sport that checks all the boxes of things not to do during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The game doesn’t account for social distancing, with players breathing on each other and slamming into one another for 60 minutes each game day.

With that in mind, the NFL and the players’ union worked out an agreement to allow players to opt out of the 2020 season without penalty. A player who opts out and is determined to be high risk for COVID-19 receives a $350,000 stipend, while his contract rolls over to the next season. In other words, a player’s deal that ran through 2023 would then be extended to the 2024 season.

Anyone who opts out voluntarily (and isn’t in a high-risk category) receives a $150,000 salary advance, but his contract is not extended. The deadline for players to opt out was Aug. 6, although players can opt out later if they are determined to be high-risk or have a family situation.

Sixty-seven players chose to opt out. Here are 11 high-profile players who did and how much money they will lose this season. The coronavirus is costing NFL teams and players in many ways.

Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, 32, is a cancer survivor, having overcome non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Money lost in 2020: $6.1 million (He’s getting $350,000 for the COVID-19 opt out. His contract is pushed to 2021 because he’s high-risk.)

A defensive leader for the Patriots, 32-year-old safety Patrick Chung has spent 11 seasons in New England.

Money lost in 2020: $3.25 million (He’s getting a $3 million signing bonus, $100,000 workout bonus and $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

The starting right guard for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs was the first player to opt out. He’s also a medical school graduate, working at a long-term care facility in Montreal.

Money lost in 2020: $7,572,600 (He’s getting a 750,000 roster bonus, plus $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

The 26-year-old defensive tackle was expected to play a huge role for the Chicago defense this season.

Money lost in 2020: $7.26 million (He’s getting a $3 million roster bonus, $100,000 workout bonus and $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

Dont’a Hightower, 30, is a team captain for the Patriots who called the defensive signals for Bill Belichick’s defense.

Money lost in 2020: $8.725 million (He’s getting a $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

The 28-year-old was expected to be a starting tackle for the Broncos.

Money lost in 2020: $17 million (His base salary will be delayed to 2021.)

Star Lotulelei is a major cog in the Bills defensive line, serving as a run-stuffing tackle.

Money lost in 2020: $5.5 million (He’s getting a $500,000 roster bonus and $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

C.J. Mosley, who missed 14 games last season with a groin injury after signing a huge free-agent deal, opted out for family reasons.

Money lost in 2020: $6 million (He’s getting a $10 million roster bonus, plus $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

Michael Pierce, 27, suffers respiratory problems, so he’s on the high-risk list. The Vikings signed him to a free-agent deal from the Baltimore Ravens.

Money lost in 2020: $3 million (He’s getting a $6 million signing bonus, plus $350,000 for COVID-19 opt out. His contract is pushed to 2021 because he’s high-risk.)

Nate Solder, 32, is in the middle of a four-year, $62 million deal. He’s a cancer survivor and has a son facing cancer.

Money lost in 2020: $12.25 million (He’s getting a $3 million roster bonus, $100,000 workout bonus and $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

Damien Williams, 28, scored two touchdowns in the 2020 Super Bowl. He led the Chiefs in rushing last season.

Money lost in 2020: $2.35 million (He’s getting $50,000 workout bonus, plus $150,000 for COVID-19 opt out.)

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