While the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are being eased around the country, the threat of the coronavirus is still present. Because of that lingering threat, NFL players can once again opt out of playing for the 2021 season.
The league set a deadline for players to decide if they want to sit out due to the risk of COVID-19. Players have until 4 p.m. ET on Friday, July 2 to inform their teams if they plan to opt out for the coming season.
Any players who are deemed high risk for COVID and opt out will be eligible for a $350,000 stipend, the same as for 2020. However, the $150,000 stipend for voluntary opt-outs that was in play a year ago is now removed.
The Browns had five players opt out for 2020: DT Andrew Billings, OL Colby Gossett, OG Drew Forbes, OT Drake Dorbeck and OG Malcolm Pridgeon. Only Billings and Forbes remain on the Cleveland roster.
