Terms confirmed
The NFL finalized rules for referees to opt out of 2020 season.
The NFL reached an agreement with the NFL Referees Association on protocols related to the novel coronavirus and optout provisions for the 2020 season, the NFLRA announced.
According to the NFLRA, any game official or replay official with coronavirus-related concerns can opt out of the season by Thursday and receive a $30,000 payment. The optout decision would be treated as a leave of absence and the official would have guaranteed job protection to return for the 2021 season, according to the NFLRA.
“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our members,” Scott Green, the NFLRA’s executive director, said in a written statement. “Although there will undoubtedly be some risk for our officials, we are pleased to have finalized a plan with the [l]eague that provides additional benefits and protections during this unprecedented season.”
The NFLRA also said that any positive coronavirus test by a game official during the season would be treated as an injury during a league-sanctioned or required activity and the official would be entitled to pay, medical expenses and benefits.
Ravens
The Ravens are expected to sign free-agent running back and returner Kenjon Barner, according to the NFL Network.
Barner, 31, would be an immediate contender at the Ravens’ unsettled kick and punt return positions. In 14 games last season for the Atlanta Falcons, he averaged 7.6 yards per punt return, scoring on a 78yard return, and 23.9 yards per kick return. Ball security, however, was a problem: Barner muffed four punts, losing one fumble.
With wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas opting out of the 2020 season, rookie wide receiver James Proche is considered the favorite to start at punt returner. There’s less clarity at kick returner, where running back Justice Hill and wide receivers Chris Moore and Devin Duvernay could be in the mix.
Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are down two more defensive linemen, bringing their total to five just a week into training camp. The Jaguars placed defensive tackles Brian Price (knee) and Dontavius Russell (hip) on injured reserve Sunday, adding to a depth problem created when defensive end Lerentee McCray and defensive tackle Al Woods opted out of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, the only franchise-tagged player in the league to not sign his tender, is seeking a trade and skipping team activities. Ngakoue is not under contract and not subject to fines.
Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins continued adding to their receiver unit with Sunday’s signing of a five-year veteran who has started 22 NFL games the past four seasons. Chester Rogers, who signed a one-year deal, joins Ricardo Louis as the second receiver Miami signed this weekend to cushion the absences of Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns, two veterans who opted out of playing the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns.
Wilson and Hurns were viewed as the front-runners to serve as Miami’s starting slot receiver — put on the inside of a passing game that will likely focus on DeVante Parker and second-year receiver Preston Williams playing on the outside. Their decision to sit out the 2020 season left Miami’s receiver unit thin, and with a leadership void.