League, players’ union agree, then Chiefs starter opts out

NFL training camps are set to open after the league and the players’ union reached agreement on several issues, including future salary cap mechanisms and how players can opt out of the upcoming season because of the coronavirus.

The NFL Players Association’s executive committee and 32 player representatives approved the offers Friday.

Players who decide they want to opt out have until Aug. 3 to do so, and they will receive a stipend from the owners. The amount of the stipend reportedly will be $350,000 for medical optouts and $150,000 for voluntary optouts.

Hours later, Kansas City starting offensive lineman Laurent DuvernayTardif became the first to opt out, choosing to put his medical degree to use on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic rather than helping the Chiefs defend their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

DuvernayTardif has been working to fulfill his requirements to become a doctor in the offseason, and has spent this summer working at a clinic in his native Canada.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally,” DuvernayTardif said on Twitter. “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 in our communities simply to play the sport that I love.”

Other league economic issues were settled, including how to handle revenue losses that would result from games played without fans or canceled games because of the coronavirus. The league has proposed a minimum salary cap of $175 million for 2021; this season’s cap is $198.2 million.

Should the 2021 salary cap decrease — a very likely outcome — caps through 2024 would be adjusted to cover some of that dropoff. That way, the cap wouldn’t plummet too far.

Practice squads will be increased from 10 to 16 players.

Smith close to returning:

Former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is set for a physical Monday with Washington before being cleared for football activities. Smith hasn’t played since November 2018 when he broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg.

Smith underwent multiple surgeries in the aftermath of the injury, a grueling rehab that was chronicled in an ESPN documentary.

Washington expects 2019 firstround pick Dwayne Haskins and former Carolina QB Kyle Allen to compete for the starting job this season under new coach Ron Rivera.