Seattle Seahawks guard Chance Warmack is voluntarily opting out of the 2020 NFL season over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, a source confirms to ESPN.
Warmack, 28, was expected to compete with third-round pick Damien Lewis and others for the starting job at right guard. He signed a veteran-minimum deal with Seattle in March after sitting out the 2019 season to get healthy.
According to the source, Warmack had a family member die of COVID-19 and other family members hospitalized because of the disease. He went back and forth on whether to play this season before making his decision Monday, a day before the start of Seahawks camp.
The NFL Network first reported Warmack's decision to opt out.
By voluntarily opting out, Warmack will receive a $150,000 salary advance. The one-year deal he signed in March included a $910,000 base salary and $137,500 in roster bonuses. His contract will toll, meaning he'll be under contract with Seattle in 2021 under the same terms.
Warmack intends to play in 2021, the source said.
The 10th overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2013, Warmack has started 51 games in six seasons. He spent 2017 and 2018 with the Philadelphia Eagles.