As we are quickly approaching the 2020 NFL season, the NFLPA instituted an “opt-out” deadline of August 6th. As we’ve seen in other leagues, players are given the option to sit out the season (or the restarted season) for any reasons related to coronavirus concerns. This article looks to focus on how the opt-outs will affect each team by listing the players team-by-team per division. I am not looking to comment on, or judge any of the players for deciding to opt-out, so for their reasons for opting out will not be listed here.
NFC East:
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected Wins: 9
Opt-outs: WR Marquise Goodwin
Dallas Cowboys
Projected Wins: 9.5
Opt-outs: CB Maurice Canady, WR Stephen Guidry, FB Jamize Olawale
New York Giants
Projected Wins: 6
Opt-outs: OT Nate Solder, CB Sam Beal, WR Da’Mari Scott
Washington Football Team (Redskins)
Projected Wins: 5
Opt-outs: DL Caleb Brantley, LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
The Eagles offense has had a hard time staying on the field, especially their top-two duo of Alshon Jeffery and DeShaun Jackson. This will put even more pressure on #21 overall pick Jalen Reagor. The Eagles selection of Reager over other available wide receivers has been heavily scrutinized since the draft. Jeffrey will likely start the year on the PUP-List providing the Eagles with little depth at the position.
The Giants were the most affected by opt-outs in the division. Without Solder, #4 overall pick Andrew Thomas will almost certainly be starting at LT. He and Wily Hernandez will make for an inexperienced left side, albeit one with very high upside. See it as the future coming early, Giants fans. Sam Beal opting out is also concerning for the Giants as they are extremely thin at CB, including the absence of 2019 draft pick DeAndre Baker, after his recent legal troubles.
For Dallas and Washington, these players were likely not going to make a high impact in 2020, if any at all. More concerning than the name-change is Washington’s release of promising running back, Derriuy Guice, after he was arrested on Domestic Violence charges.
NFC North:
(Photo by Zach Kruse/USA-TODAY)
Green Bay Packers
Projected Wins: 8.5
Opt-outs: WR Devin Funchess
Minnesota Vikings
Projected Wins: 8.5
Opt-outs: DL Michael Pierce
Chicago Bears
Projected Wins: 7.5
Opt-outs: DT Eddie Goldman, S Jordan Lucas
Detroit Lions
Projected Wins: 6.5
Opt-outs: WR Geronimo Allison, DL John Atkins, C Russell Bodine
The Packers shocked football fans and their starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, when they traded up for Jordan Love in the first-round. Even more surprising was them not drafting a receiver at all. With Funchess deciding not to play and Allison heading to Detroit (not playing anyway) the Packers are even thinner at WR.
The Bears and Vikings each lost a starting lineman. Goldman and Pierce, respectively, were slated to be important pieces of the run stopping attack for Chicago and Minnesota. They will both lean on their depth and their talented pass-rush to stop teams in 2020
NFC South:
(Photo by Kim Klement/USA-TODAY)
New Orleans Saints
Projected Wins: 10.5
Opt Outs: TE Cole Wick, TE Jason Vander Laan
Atlanta Falcons
Projected Wins: 7.5
Opt Outs: None
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projected Wins: 9.5
Opt Outs: OT Brad Seaton
Carolina Panthers
Projected Wins: 5.5
Opt Outs: LB Jordan Mack, LB Christian Miller
The NFC South was fairly unaffected by opt-outs and will compete as expected in Tom Brady’s first season away from New England. Many players in this division were considered “high-risk” due to pre-existing conditions such as asthma.
NFC West:
(Photo by Joe Robbins/AP)
San Francisco 49ers
Projected Wins: 10.5
Opt Outs: WR Travis Benjamin, OT Shon Coleman. C Jake Brendel
Seattle Seahawks
Projected Wins: 9.5
Opt Outs: OG Chance Warmack
Los Angeles Rams
Projected Wins: 8
Opt Outs: OT Chandler Brewer
Arizona Cardinals
Projected Wins: 7
Opt Outs: OT Marcus Gilbert
The Seahawks and Cardinals both lost starting offensive lineman. Both teams have depth on their rosters, but seeing as though they were some of the worst o-line groups in 2019; I can’t imagine they are excited to tap into that depth.
The Niners and Rams O-line depth was affected by opt-outs rather than starters. However, WR Travis Benjamin was likely brought in to replace Marquise Goodwin. Kyle Shanahan will likely keep his group very focused on the run. They love their first-round wideout Brandon Aiyuk, along with a fairly deep wide receiver core. Aiyuk should have plenty of opportunity without the high pressure someone like Jalen Reagor will face.
