The NFL Players Association negotiated with league ownership to create an option for its members to pass on the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and a handful of players around the league have already chosen to do so. That includes several New Orleans Saints.
Backup tight ends Cole Wick and Jason Vander Laan each opted out of 2020, accepting pay cuts for the opportunity to return in 2021 and compete for roster spots. Wick, who is asthmatic, chose to opt out due to the heightened health risk at play. Vander Laan’s opt-out was voluntary.