:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67121647/1174307847.jpg.0.jpg)
The 2020 NFL season is still a go, but several players have already decided to opt out due to the coronavirus.
Among the players who’ve already decided to hang up their cleats for this season is former Bengals tackle Andre Smith, who is now with the Ravens.
#Ravens offensive tackle Andre Smith, who re-signed in Baltimore to provide some depth, has decided to opt-out, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2020
The NFL’s coronavirus opt-out plan includes two levels for players who choose not to play in 2020.
Players deemed as high-risk can opt out and receive a $350,000 stipend and an accrued NFL season. Those players must have pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, sickle-cell disease, or diabetes.
Players not deemed as high-risk can opt out and receive a $150,000 advance on their 2021 salary.
It’s unclear which designation Smith will receive, but at 33 years old with 11 seasons under his belt, you have to wonder if this is the last we’ve seen of him in the NFL.
The former sixth-overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft has appeared in 116 career games (98 starts), most of which have been with the Bengals. He opened the 2019 season with Cincinnati before being cut in November. He later signed with the Ravens for the playoffs and later re-signed with them for the upcoming season on a one-year deal.