The new NFL season has just started with big name players on new teams, with additional players deciding to sit out, creating a new dynamic in the league. Prior to the start of the season the league released an option for the players to sit out for the year while receiving an advancement on their salaries. This option allowed players to receive either $350,000 or $150,000 depending on their Covid-19 exposure risk. This option would also allow players to push their contract back one more year, with the advancement removed from their total pay next year.

Approximately, 67 NFL players decided to this option, with some receiving $150,000 from the voluntary option. While others received $350,000 for high risk exposure opt out. The players deciding to opt out were relatively spread throughout the league with only three teams having no players make this decision. Those teams are the Steelers, Falcons and Chargers. However, the two teams with the most players opting out are the Browns and the Patriots. From these teams a total of 13 players have opted out, with 8 from the Patriots and 5 from the Browns.

Dont’a Hightower (LB) , Picture via Pats Pulpit

The Patriots not only had the most players opt out, they also lost key offense and defensive backs. From the offense the Patriots had 6 players make the decision not to play. These players include: Brandon Bolden (RB), Marcus Cannon (OT), Matt LaCosse (TE), Marqise Lee (WR), Najee Toran (G), and Danny Vitale (FB). With these players sitting out this season it has led to holes in both the offensive line and in the backfield. From the defense there have 2 players who opted out, those being Patrick Chung (S) and Dont’a Hightower (LB). This is a significant loss for the Patriots as these two players are key starters and members of the defensive. Their leadership will be missed within a young group of defensive backs posed to take the reigns from them for the reason.

Patrick Chung (S), Picture via Forbes

With the highest number of players sitting out for the year. The New England Patriots have been under scrutiny as it is believed that they are having key players sit out to create

more cap space and a contract in the next year. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower spoke out to reporters emphasizing that his decision to opt out was focused around his family particularly his 2-week old son at the time. 

A message from #Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower, one of the highest profile players opting out amid the Coronavirus: “Me and my fiancée are just more concerned with the health of our family than football — especially the new addition to our family.”

Hightower has a 2-week-old son.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2020