CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
That could only occur under the COVID rules.
This is how it was explained to me when I looked into it last year.:
Today, if a player is on a practice squad and another team wants to sign them to their active roster, that player can choose not to sign the contract offered by the new team. Additionally, practice squad players can choose to leave the practice squad to pursue opportunities elsewhere, including potential contracts in other leagues.
If a practice squad player is claimed by another NFL team and refuses to play for that team, the following generally applies based on NFL rules and standard player contracts:
- Contractual Obligation: Practice squad players sign contracts that bind them to the team they are with and include provisions for being claimed by another team. If claimed off the practice squad by another team, the player is typically required to report to the new team because the claim moves their contract to the claiming team’s active roster.
- Consequences of Refusal:
- Suspension or Fines: Refusing to report to the claiming team can be considered a breach of contract, potentially leading to fines, suspension without pay, or other disciplinary actions by the NFL or the team.
- Waiver Risk: If the player refuses to report, the claiming team could place them on their Reserve/Did Not Report list, effectively suspending them. The team could also choose to waive the player, but this would depend on the circumstances and the team’s discretion.
- Loss of Pay: By refusing to play, the player risks forfeiting their salary, as practice squad players are only paid for the weeks they are on a roster and actively participating.
- Career Impact: Refusing to play could harm the player’s reputation and future opportunities in the NFL, as teams may view them as uncooperative or unreliable.
- Limited Player Leverage: Practice squad players typically have limited leverage compared to established stars. Unlike high-profile players who might negotiate or hold out, practice squad players are often entry-level or journeyman players with less bargaining power, making refusal a risky move.
- Exceptions and Context: In rare cases, a player might try to negotiate or communicate with the claiming team to explain their reluctance (e.g., personal reasons, fit with the team, etc.). However, the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and standard player contracts generally favor team control in these situations, and the player has little recourse to outright refuse without consequences.
