COVID-19: Players who have opted out of season

NFL players have the choice to opt out of the 2020 season, due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. On July 27, the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball had an outbreak on their team, which could have caused some NFL players to think twice about whether they want to play this season.

Players have until Aug. 3 to opt out of the season. The opt-out decision is final and they won't be allowed to return. Players with preexisting conditions get a $350,000 stipend and those who opt out for other reasons receive $150,000.

Here is our running team-by-team list of which players have opted out of the 2020 NFL season:

New England Patriots: The Patriots were hit hard early on, with multiple starters and key contributors opting out. Pro Bowl linebacker Dont'a Hightower and starting right tackle Marcus Cannon opted out, according to reports. As did running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale and offensive lineman Najee Toran. Safety Patrick Chung became the sixth Patriots player to opt out, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Pro Bowl linebacker Dont'a Hightower of the Patriots is among the players to opt out of the 2020 season. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Pro Bowl linebacker Dont'a Hightower of the Patriots is among the players to opt out of the 2020 season. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs: Guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first NFL player to opt out of the season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Duvernay-Tardif's decision wasn't just notable because he's a starter on the defending Super Bowl champions, but he's also a doctor.

Philadelphia Eagles: Receiver Marquise Goodwin, acquired in a trade with the 49ers this offseason, will sit out this season via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Goodwin and his wife had a daughter in February. The couple had two miscarriages since November of 2017.

Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman, a nose tackle and key piece of the Bears' defense, opted out according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Goldman's Pro Football Focus grade was the 17th best among all interior defenders over the last two seasons.

Buffalo Bills: Nose tackle Star Lotulelei has opted out according to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo. Lotulelei, the 14th pick of the 2014 by the Carolina Panthers, started all 32 games for the Bills the past two seasons. Lotulelei was diagnosed with a heart condition at the NFL scouting combine before he was drafted.

Minnesota Vikings: Defensive tackle Micahel Pierce, who signed a three-year, $27 million deal this offseason and was the only free-agent addition of note for Minnesota, has opted out of the season according to NFL Network.

Baltimore Ravens: Wide receiver and return specialist De'Anthony Thomas was put on the team's reserve list as a voluntary opt-out. Thomas joined the Ravens last season after being with the Chiefs since 2014. Backup offensive tackle Andre Smith also opted out, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

New Orleans Saints: Tight end Cole Wick opted out of the season according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. Wick played six games for the Lions in 2016 and eight games for the 49ers in 2018.


Tennessee Titans: Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Anthony McKinney opted out according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. Undrafted rookies are not eligible for the $150,000 opt-out stipend.

Dallas Cowboys: Cornerback Maurice Canady decided to opt out of the season, according to the team's site. Undrafted receiver Stephen Guidry also opted out, according to the Dallas Morning News.


Washington Football Team: Defensive end Caleb Brantley was granted a "high-risk" opt-out, a designation that allows him to collect a $350,000 stipend and an accrued season (players not granted the designation receive a $150,000 advance on their 2021 contracts and don't accrue a season).

Denver Broncos: Defensive tackle Kyle Peko will not play this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Seattle Seahawks: Guard Chance Warmack, a 2013 first-round pick, opted out, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. The Seahawks signed Warmack in March.

Houston Texans: Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes has opted out, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Vanderdoes played three games for the Texans last season.

I copied and pasted this from an article on my yahoo sports app. Sorry for no link I'm a terrible op. Links and gifs are not my thing. I'm a little slow when it comes to that stuff. Anyways the above sums up what's going on with the opt outs

Looks like Greenlaw will. Sucks, but I certainly can't fault him

Sounds like Russell Wilson will too

The first player that comes to mind for me is Marquise Goodwin. He has already missed games in the past due to personal (family) issues. His wife has miscarried a couple times if I'm not mistaken? Also his Sister has many health concerns and would be considered at risk. I could easily see him opting out for the upcoming season and I couldn't blame him if that is his choice. I wish him and his family the best.

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:

Looks like Greenlaw will. Sucks, but I certainly can't fault him

Originally posted by ninerfan4life:

Sounds like Russell Wilson will too

They have both stated concern on social media. They both have a girlfriend or wife who is pregnant. If every player who has a significant other that is pregnant opts out, there will be many opt outs this year!

I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

^

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

MLB has 11 players who've officially opted out. Their season begins later this week. Some of these players even arrived for spring training 2.0 and then later decided to opt out. I think there will be at least 5-10 players in the NFL who do the same, minimum. I'm just hoping it's not anyone on the 49ers

Originally posted by Howlett49:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

MLB has 11 players who've officially opted out. Their season begins later this week. Some of these players even arrived for spring training 2.0 and then later decided to opt out. I think there will be at least 5-10 players in the NFL who do the same, minimum. I'm just hoping it's not anyone on the 49ers

yeah IMO if there are some it will be minimal.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Howlett49:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

MLB has 11 players who've officially opted out. Their season begins later this week. Some of these players even arrived for spring training 2.0 and then later decided to opt out. I think there will be at least 5-10 players in the NFL who do the same, minimum. I'm just hoping it's not anyone on the 49ers

yeah IMO if there are some it will be minimal.

I think it would be smart for Russel Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Derrick Henry, Dashaun Watson, Carson Wentz and Ezekiel Elliot to sit this season out. As a safety concern.

Originally posted by ninerfan4life:
Sounds like Russell Wilson will too

pls let that be true

Originally posted by Hysterikal:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Howlett49:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

MLB has 11 players who've officially opted out. Their season begins later this week. Some of these players even arrived for spring training 2.0 and then later decided to opt out. I think there will be at least 5-10 players in the NFL who do the same, minimum. I'm just hoping it's not anyone on the 49ers

yeah IMO if there are some it will be minimal.

I think it would be smart for Russel Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Derrick Henry, Dashaun Watson, Carson Wentz and Ezekiel Elliot to sit this season out. As a safety concern.

And Aaron Donald, Chris Jones.

Originally posted by TheGore49er:

Originally posted by ninerfan4life:
Sounds like Russell Wilson will too

pls let that be true

His wife is pregnant - he's got a good excuse.

Originally posted by Hysterikal:
I think it would be smart for Russel Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Derrick Henry, Dashaun Watson, Carson Wentz and Ezekiel Elliot to sit this season out. As a safety concern.

Good, and let nobody from the 49ers opt out

Originally posted by Hysterikal:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Howlett49:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I don't see many players (if any) opting out once the NFLPA and NFL come to terms.

MLB has 11 players who've officially opted out. Their season begins later this week. Some of these players even arrived for spring training 2.0 and then later decided to opt out. I think there will be at least 5-10 players in the NFL who do the same, minimum. I'm just hoping it's not anyone on the 49ers

yeah IMO if there are some it will be minimal.

I think it would be smart for Russel Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Derrick Henry, Dashaun Watson, Carson Wentz and Ezekiel Elliot to sit this season out. As a safety concern.

I think Aaron Donald definitely should.