Carolina Panthers veteran offensive tackle Russell Okung did not opt out of the 2020 NFL season, as the league's deadline for players voluntarily opting out of the campaign amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic passed on Thursday afternoon.
In spite of the passed deadline, Okung may nevertheless decide not to play in the 2020 season with his new team, the Panthers—but it would come in the form of foregoing salary and signing bonuses by abruptly retiring.
“[Okung] hasn’t decided anything. He’s keeping his options open as we get further into camp and hopefully a season,” [Russell's advisor J.I.] Halsell said, via ProFootballTalk.
Okung, 32, was traded to the Panthers earlier this year in March for Trai Turner, a guard who made five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances with Carolina. A two-time Pro Bowler himself, Okung spent the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before arriving in Charlotte.
The arrival may be short-lived, however, with Okung reportedly keeping his options “open” as to whether he wants to participate in the 2020 NFL season or not.
The NFL moved up the deadline to yesterday after the original opt-out deadline was scheduled for seven days after agreeing with the NFLPA on a deal regarding the COVID-19 opt-outs (a concession for the union demands of language in the deal). Two Panthers opted out of the 2020: linebackers Jordan Mack and Christian Miller.
Linemen made up a majority of the players opting out of the 2020 season, and it looks like the Pro Bowl tackle in Okung is still seeing how safety protocols and preparation for the upcoming campaign are handled before making a final decision on retirement.
Follow Us
Subscribe