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With the NFL opt out period in the books, it's now time to look at the full NFL opt out list of players who have decided to forego the 2020 NFL season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to the pandemic, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to allow players who felt uncomfortable playing to opt out of the season while still getting some money. Those who are at a higher risk will receive $350,000, while those who are not at a higher risk will receive $150,000.
Initially, there was no deadline on when players had to make their decision. Late last week, however, there were reports that the NFL opt out deadline could have been as early as Wednesday. The league and NFLPA settled on Thursday as the NFL opt out deadline, and now with the deadline passed, these are all the players who have decided to sit out of the 2020 season.
Some notes on the overall league first; 29 of the 32 teams in the league have had players choose to opt out, with only the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers not having any NFL players opt out. The New England Patriots have the most players NFL players opting out, with eight.
Out of the 29 teams that have had NFL players opt out, the average number of players opting out is 2.2. Mostly due to the Patriots losing eight, the AFC East has been the division that has been hit the hardest with 14 opt outs among the four teams. The lightest hit division is the NFC West with only one player opting out per team. Overall the NFC has come out on top, with every AFC division losing at least eight players while only the NFC East losing more than seven with nine.
NFL Opt Out List Live Updates (Completed)
Arizona Cardinals
- OL Marcus Gilbert
Baltimore Ravens
- OT Andre Smith
- KR De’Anthony Thomas
Buffalo Bills
- DT Star Lotulelei
- CB E.J. Gaines
Carolina Panthers
- LB Jordan Mack
- LB Christian Miller*
Chicago Bears
- DT Eddie Goldman*
- S Jordan Lucas
Cincinnati Bengals
- OT Isaiah Prince
- DT Josh Tupou
Cleveland Browns
- G Drew Forbes,
- OT Drake Dorbeck
- DT Andrew Billings
- G Colby Gossett
- G Malcolm Pridgeon
Dallas Cowboys
- CB Maurice Canady
- WR Stephen Guidry
- FB Jamize Olawale
Denver Broncos
- DL Kyle Peko*
- RT Ja’Wuan James
Detroit Lions
- DT John Atkins
- WR Geronimo Allison
- C Russell Bodine
Green Bay Packers
The Packers, who have been getting slammed already for not drafting a wide receiver to help Aaron Rodgers, lose their one wide receiver signing of the offseason, hurting their air game even more.
Houston Texans
- DL Eddie Vanderdoes
Indianapolis Colts
- LB Skai Moore
- CB Marvell Tell
- DB Rolan Milligan
Jacksonville Jaguars
- DT Al Woods
- DE Lerentee McCray
- CB Rashaan Melvin
Kansas City Chiefs
- RB Damien Williams
- OT Lucas Niang
- OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who has been working on the frontlines at a long-term care facility in Quebec
The rushing game for the Chiefs will be affected by the loss of both Damien Williams and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Duvernay-Tardif was the first NFL player opt out, citing his work in Canada with a hospice, helping those most affected by the virus.
Las Vegas Raiders
- CB D.J. Killings
- DE Jeremiah Valoaga
- LB Ukeme Eligwe
Los Angeles Rams
- OT Chandler Brewer*
Miami Dolphins
- WR Allen Hurns
- WR Albert Wilson
In his statement, Albert Wilson, who was expected to be a key piece of the Dolphins offense in the slot, mentioned that the decision came down to putting his family first. Here's what he had to say on Twitter:
“It was very tough choice but since the day I started playing the game it’s always been Faith Family Football. Because of this crazy time I choose to put my family in the best situation I see fit. I will stand by my teammates & brothers to support them 100% throughout this season and will be counting the days until I can join them again. 1 love.”
Minnesota Vikings
- DT Michael Pierce*
New England Patriots
- RB Brandon Bolden
- S Patrick Chung
- OT Marcus Cannon*
- LB Dont’a Hightower
- C/G Najee Toran
- FB Danny Vitale
- WR Marqise Lee
- TE Matt LaCosse
Multiple key names are lost for the Patriots this season as they look to move on from the Tom Brady era. most notably two-time Pro Bowler Dont'a Hightower. Also lost is long time safety Patrick Chung, who has been a staple of the secondary since 2009 outside of a one year stint in Philadelphia in 2013.
New Orleans Saints
- TE Cole Wick*
- TE Jason Vander Laan
New York Giants
- WR Da’Mari Scott
- CB Sam Beal
- OT Nate Solder, who is a cancer survivor and whose son is currently battling cancer. Solder will be a big hit on the offensive line, however the Giants have some pieces available to replace him, including first round draft pick Andrew Thomas
New York Jets
- LB C.J. Mosley
- OL Leo Koloamatangi
The Jets lose their key piece on defense in C.J. Mosley, who is a four-time Pro Bowler.
More NFL Players Opting Out
Philadelphia Eagles
- WR Marquise Goodwin
San Francisco 49ers
- WR Travis Benjamin
- C Jake Brendel
Seattle Seahawks
- OL Chance Warmack
Tennessee Titans
- OT Anthony McKinney
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- OT Brad Seaton
Washington Football Team
- DL Caleb Brantley*
- LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
These players are locked out of the season and cannot return this season if things improve. Those who have chose not to opt out cannot opt out now unless a family member contracts the virus. The NFL opt out list is complete.
