NFL players have opted out of the upcoming season." data-reactid="16">On the same day the MLB saw an outbreak of COVID-19, several NFL players chose not to participate in the coming season.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Seattle Seahawks guard Chance Warmack and Cowboys corner back Maurice Canady will also exercise their options to opt out for the season. New England Patriots fullback Danny Vitale is also opting out, according to his agent. As is Patriots guard Najee Toran, according to the Boston Globe." data-reactid="17">The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday that wide receiver and return specialist De’Anthony Thomas has been added to the team’s reserve list as a voluntary withdrawal. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Seattle Seahawks guard Chance Warmack and Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady will also exercise their options to retire for the season. New England Patriots full-back Danny Vitale is also withdrawing, according to his agent. As is Patriots guard Najee Toran, according to the Boston Globe.
Meanwhile, Washington defensive end Caleb Brantley earned a “high risk” withdrawal, a designation that sees him collect a stipend of $ 350,000 and an accumulated season. Players who do not receive the designation receive a $ 150,000 advance on their 2021 contracts and do not accumulate a season. It’s unclear why Brantley got the waiver.
NFL player to opt out of the season amid the coronavirus pandemic." data-reactid="23">They all join Kansas City Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who on Friday became the first NFL player to retire from the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The players who stepped down on Monday have not spoken publicly about their decisions.
MLB outbreak a warning for the NFL?
NFL season will face many of the same challenges as MLB, which was forced to postpone two games on Monday after at least 11 members of the Miami Marlins roster and coaching staff reportedly tested for COVID-19. The outbreak occurred just days into the start of the postponed baseball season, which saw its delayed opening day on Thursday." data-reactid="26">The planned NFL season will face many of the same challenges as MLB, which was forced to postpone two games on Monday after at least 11 members of the Miami Marlins roster and coaching staff were reportedly tested. for COVID-19. The outbreak occurred just days after the start of the postponed baseball season, which saw its opening delayed on Thursday.
De’Anthony Thomas will not be playing during the NFL COVID-19 season. (Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images)
MLB is moving forward with its season despite fears the outbreak will force it to consider canceling.
NFL intends to conduct a season with a normal travel schedule that includes players and staff traveling to and from COVID-19 hotspots like Miami, Phoenix and Houston. There is no discussion in the NFL of playing in a bubble like the NBA and NHL, which are taking extra steps to mitigate exposure to the coronavirus." data-reactid="39">Like the MLB, the NFL intends to lead a season with a normal travel schedule that includes players and staff traveling to and from COVID-19 hotspots like Miami, Phoenix and Houston. There is no discussion in the NFL about playing in a bubble like the NBA and the NHL, which are taking extra steps to mitigate exposure to the coronavirus.
Will players get another shot in the NFL?
NFL veteran played primarily as a kick and punt returner in 2019. Warmack, 28, signed with the Seahawks this offseason and was expected to compete for a backup job. The former No. 10 overall pick hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2018 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Canady, 26, played 13 games with the New York Jets and Ravens last season." data-reactid="41">Thomas, 27, split his time last season with the Ravens and Chiefs. The six-year NFL veteran played primarily as a punt and punt returner in 2019. Warmack, 28, signed with the Seahawks this offseason and was scheduled to compete for a substitute position. The former No. 10 overall pick hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2018 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Canady, 26, played 13 games with the New York Jets and Ravens last season.
NFL if and when he chooses to return. The same can’t be said for everyone else opting out." data-reactid="42">Duvernay-Tardif has started five straight seasons for the Chiefs and appears to have a safe role in the NFL if he chooses to return. The same cannot be said of all the others who pull out.
