The NFL, of course, is among the pro sports leagues in the United States impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 NFL Draft is slated to go on as planned later this month. Free agency and the start of the new league year is also ongoing.
Despite this, there has been some adjustments teams have had to make. That includes the closing of facilities for offseason workouts. It will also include the suspension of offseason programs slated to start later in April.
It’s because of this that dozens of NFL players are facing the possible loss of offseason workout bonuses. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, the total amounts to a cool $36 million. It includes stars possibly missing out on major pay days. According to Garafolo:
- Za’Darius Smith, Green Bay Packers: $750,000
- Preston Smith, Green Bay Packers: $650,000
- Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers: $600,000
- Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings: $500,000
Garafolo reports that the NFL and the players' union will talk about how workout bonuses can be earned. While lost bonuses won’t necessarily hurt those on the top end of the NFL salary scale, young players and those holding on to roster spots will be impacted.
The current collective bargaining agreement calls for a stipend of $235 daily during offseason workouts. With those set to be canceled, another $20 million is up in the air.
The NFL and NFLPA have recently discussed the mental and physical health of players while they are away from team facilities. It’s no small thing. We’re entering a point in the offseason when players are usually working out within a structured environment. Teams have sent offseason playbooks to players in recent years.
That’s not the case in 2020.
Sure, there’s a financial aspect to all of this. However, the mental and physical well-being of players must be of paramount concern during these most difficult of times.
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