NFL players opting out of 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns

Only hours after the NFL and NFLPA reached an agreement to allow players to skip the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif announced that he would be opting out of the upcoming campaign.

Duvernay-Tardif, the only active player in the NFL with a medical degree, tweeted on July 24 that choosing to opt out was "one of the most difficult decisions" he has had to make, but that he is following his convictions after putting in offseason work on the front lines in his native Montreal.

"Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system. I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus to our communities simply to play the sport I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients," Duvernay-Tardif wrote.

The 29-year-old Canadian was the first player to opt out, but several others quickly folllowed suit.

Players who decide not to play during the 2020 season can opt out voluntarily or for medical reasons because they are at high risk regarding COVID-19. Players from both categories will receive contract advances that will toll to 2021, with those who choose to sit voluntarily receiving $150,000 for the season while those who opt out for medical reasons getting $350,000.

In Duvernay-Tardif's case, he'll receive $150,000 as he voluntarily opted out, with the former McGill University standout set to earn his scheduled $2.75 million salary (minus $150,000) next year.

With Duvernay-Tardif leading the way, a number of players have decided against competing this season. According to the NFLPA, players had until 4 PM ET on Aug. 6 to opt out while still remaining eligible for the contract tolling agreement.

Here's the complete, team-by-team list of players who have decided to opt out this season.

NFL players opting out of 2020 season

(List compiled from various media reports.)

Arizona Cardinals

• Marcus Gilbert, OT

Atlanta Falcons

-

Baltimore Ravens

• Andre Smith, OT
• De'Anthony Thomas, WR

Buffalo Bills

• E.J. Gaines, CB
• Star Lotulelei, DT

Carolina Panthers

• Christian Miller, OLB
• Jordan Mack, LB

Cincinnati Bengals

• Isaiah Prince, OT
• Josh Tupou, DT

Chicago Bears

• Eddie Goldman, DT
• Jordan Lucas, S

Cleveland Browns

• Malcolm Pridgeon, G
• Colby Gossett, G
• Andrew Billings, DT
• Drew Forbes, G
• Drake Dorbeck, OT

Dallas Cowboys

• Jamize Olawale, FB
• Stephen Guidry, WR
• Maurice Canady, CB

Denver Broncos

• Ja'Wuan James, OT
• Kyle Peko, DT

Detroit Lions

• Russell Bodine, C
• Geronimo Allison, WR
• John Atkins, DT

Green Bay Packers

• Devin Funchess, WR

Houston Texans

• Eddie Vanderdoes, DT

Indianapolis Colts

• Marvell Tell, CB
• Rolan Milligan, S
• Skai Moore, LB

Kansas City Chiefs

• Lucas Niang, OT
• Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, G
• Damien Williams, RB

Las Vegas Raiders

• Ukeme Eligwe, LB
• D.J. Killings, DB
• Jeremiah Valoaga, DE

Los Angeles Chargers

-

Los Angeles Rams

• Chandler Brewer, OT

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Rashaan Melvin, CB
• Lerentee McCray, DE/LB
• Al Woods, DT

Miami Dolphins

• Albert Wilson, WR
• Allen Hurns, WR

Minnesota Vikings

• Michael Pierce, DT

New England Patriots

• Matt LaCosse, TE
• Marqise Lee, WR
• Patrick Chung, S
• Dont'a Hightower, LB
• Brandon Bolden, RB
• Marcus Cannon, OT
• Danny Vitale, FB
• Najee Toran, OL

New Orleans Saints

• Cole Wick, TE
• Jason Vander Laan, TE

New York Giants

• Sam Beal, CB
• Da'Mari Scott, WR
• Nate Solder, LT

New York Jets

• Josh Doctson, WR
• C.J. Mosley, LB
• Leo Koloamatangi, OL

Philadelphia Eagles

• Marquise Goodwin, WR

San Francisco 49ers

• Shon Coleman, OL
• Travis Benjamin, WR

Seattle Seahawks

• Chance Warmack, G

Pittsburgh Steelers

-

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Brad Seaton, OT

Tennessee Titans

• Anthony McKinney, OL

Washington Football Team

• Josh Harvey-Clemons, LB
• Caleb Brantley, DL

Free agents

• Larry Warford, G