LeVeon Bell gave up $14 million guaranteed this year to avoid risking injury to cost him $40 million+
If the players don't gain anything and the NFL doesn't view it as a red flag, I don't think a few thousand dollars to pitch used cars will change it. If any of those sponsorships are contingent on playing, maybe, but as it is they can take their money, and sit out and not risk their ability to attain greater riches.
I still ask the question of how the Redbox Bowl is a less meaningful game than the Rutgers game was, or Nebraska? So while I don't like this trend as a fan, I can't blame them, and don't get too worked up. What concerns me is that until someone can convince me that line exists, I do worry about the next step.