The NFL’s latest proposal, players would be able to opt-out of the 2020 season with a written notice. Here’s what that could mean for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL is trying to come up with some creative ways of satisfying the NFLPA to assure there is a 2020 season this year. Their most recent proposal is interesting for several reasons and could prove to impact the Steelers and other NFL teams in a big way.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, individual players would have the option to opt-out of the 2020 season if they turn in a written notice by August first. This proposal has been discussed over the last several weeks in an effort to try to please both sides. Setting the opt-out date for August 1st would give NFL teams ample time to find a replacement if some big-named players elected to sit out the 2020 season.
How choice to opt-out in 2020 could affect the Steelers
One of those players on the fence for the Pittsburgh Steelers is All-Pro defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward. The 31-year-old defender has been vocal this offseason about player safety – stressing that he needs to do what is right by his family.
Because the proposal does not limit which players are able to opt-out based on medical or family conditions, it would be every player’s right to choose for himself. If Heyward did indeed choose to sit out the 2020 season, it could have a devastating effect on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heyward is one of the two or three best players on the team, and his impact has been substantial over the last three seasons – earning Pro Bowls in each year and first-team All-Pro honors twice.
If Heyward elects to opt-out, it remains to be seen which other Steelers could follow suit. Heyward is a team leader with a lot of influence in the locker room. While every play could be left up to decide for themselves, losing players of his magnitude would be hard to overcome.
The NFL is hoping this proposal will please the NFLPA by giving each player the option to decide for themselves. According to Pelissero, players electing to opt-out of the season could earn $150,000 this year. However, those players will not receive any of their base salary for the upcoming season and their contracts will be reinstated in 2021. According to the report, this opt-out option could be exercised by any player – including anyone on the 90-man roster.
If the Steelers have even one or two-star players who choose to exercise this opt-out option in 2020, it could be catastrophic to their success this sesaon – likely their last year in a closing Super Bowl window. However, I understand the NFLPA’s concern for player safety. Let’s hope it all works out in the end.