Laurent Tardif, MD is first NFL player to opt out of 2020 season

The NFL owners and players negotiated terms for players to opt out of the 2020 season, and Kansas City Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is the first to exercise his right. He announced on Twitter that he will be opting out of the 2020 season to avoid potentially spreading the virus.

The owners and players negotiated terms where a player could opt out and if he was not part of a high-risk group, he would still receive $150,000 for the year. Additionally, his contract tolls, which means if he returns next season, this year’s pay would be paid next year. He was due $2.75 million this season and was going to become a free agent in the offseason. Now, he’ll play in 2021 at the $2.75 million figure and become a free agent the following offseason.

It is notable for a variety of reasons, but one is that Duvernay-Tardif is a doctor. He graduated from McGill University and has spent this offseason working with Covid-19 patients. He returned to Quebec to work with individuals at a long-term care facility.

He was the Chiefs starting right guard last year, which means Kansas City will need to find a new starter. Ryan Hunter is currently listed as the right guard backup.