NFL team by team opt-out tracker: Tre'Davious White makes decision, plus every player to opt out by deadline

Concerns over the coronavirus pandemic continue to hang over the NFL

By Josh Edwards

Aug 6, 2020 at 5:23 pm ET • 2 min read

USATSI

The 2020 NFL season will be the most unique year in the league's history, as it's one that has had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. That includes the decision of every player whether they will take the field in 2020. The league and players association recently agreed to a revised collective bargaining agreement that set a deadline for opt-out decisions at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, which involve a player providing written notice to his team if he does plan on sitting out the season.

The NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed to a plan that allows players to opt out of the upcoming season if they are uncomfortable with the COVID-19 health protocols put in place. High-risk individuals could opt out and receive a $350,000 stipend whereas those less at risk would receive a $150,000 salary advance. Players have the ability to opt out later in the season as well, in the event that a family member becomes sick. Those that take the league up on their offer must provide the club with written notice of his election to opt out. Once given, the notice will be irrevocable for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Chiefs starting offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to take the league up on their offer on Aug. 24. Deadline day included five total opt-outs around the league: Browns offensive lineman Malcolm Pridgeon, Jaguars cornerback Rashaan Melvin, Chiefs offensive tackle Lucas Niang, Jets receiver Josh Doctson, and Buccaneers offensive tackle Brad Season.

One player who considered opting out but decided to play this season: Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White. White opened up about his process in making his decision on social media when he was still considering whether he would play, then replied to some of the blowback he received from fans, revealing that his girlfriend's grandfather died due to COVID-19.

The NFL regular season is scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 10, with the Texans at the Chiefs.

CBS Sports is tracking all of the decisions in one place.