Washington Football Team defensive end Caleb Brantley has opted out of playing the 2020 NFL season due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus. Brantley was listed with a higher-risk opt out designation.
Brantley becomes the first Washington player to opt out of the season. By being designated as “higher risk” Brantley will receive a $350,000 stipend and an accured season, according to Matthew Paras of the Washington Times.
Brantley re-signed with Washington on a one-year deal this offseason. He had spent the past two seasons with Washington, appearing in seven games in 2018. But, he was limited to one game in 2019 after being placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury.
Washington will be able to withstand his absence. The defensive line is loaded across with the addition of defensive end Chase Young. Young joins Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis who are all expected to be key contributors.
