No NFL players opting out of 2021 season

A year after 66 players – including three Jets – opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported zero players are opting out this season. The deadline to decide was July 2.

The Jets weren’t the most affected by opt-outs in 2020, but they did lose linebacker C.J. Mosley, receiver Josh Doctson and offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi. Mosley was sorely missed as the leader of the Jets defense, while the Jets could have used Doctson in their depleted receiver corps. Koloamatangi could have been a valued backup lineman.

Only Mosley will return this season after the Jets released Doctson and Koloamatangi earlier this offseason.

The drop in COVID-19 cases, along with the presence of multiple vaccines and a full offseason, likely made this year more enticing for players who missed last season for various personal reasons related to the pandemic. While the NFL won’t require players to get vaccinated, there are benefits for those who decide to get the vaccine, including loosened travel and mask restrictions.

It’s unclear how many Jets players and coaches are vaccinated, but Mosley, Mekhi Becton and Quinnen Williams all posted photos or videos of them getting their shots.