NFL – Saison 2020/2021 – Sports US

Speaking of the CBA deal …

Last week the agreement was accepted by a majority of the owners and is this week spent on a vote between the representatives of the NFLPA (players’ association) who validated the agreement, it will now be proposed to all players … if a majority also accept it will come into force by March 18 for ten years.

MORE…

… several influential players have already announced that they are hostile to this agreement (JJ.Watt / Wilson / …), the sequel promises not to be a simple formality and discussions could resume more beautiful throughout the coming season (one more year possible under the terms of the current contract between Owners and NFLPA).

A possible holdout next season?

Here are the elements that the NFL has left leaked for a few weeks (but on the 700 pages of the CBA no doubt that certain elements were not announced but well identified by certain players):

• Change from the regular season to 17 games starting in 2022 and the pre-season to 3 games.

• Passage of the playoffs from 12 to 14 teams (only the # 1 would have a bye week) which implies 6 games during the Wild Card.

• For the 2020/2021 season (and only this one), the teams could apply only one Tag (Franchise and Transition mixed).

• The teams would go from 53 to 55 players with 48 players allowed in matches.

• The share of income accruing to players would climb from 47% to 48% per year (over 16 matches –-> between 2.5 and 3 billion) or even 48.5% (over 17 matches –-> 5 billion)

• During the summer camps reduction from 28 to 16 days with authorized physical contact (padded) and 8 days of rest instead of 5 currently.

• 100% guaranteed 5th year option and value indexed to performance, not position during draft.

• Salary scale linked to performance for the other choices (2nd – 7th round).

• Addition of neutral external arbitration for most disciplinary decisions of the commissioner.

• Marijuana policy eased.

• Increase in pensions for former players and introduction of supplementary health insurance.

Clearly, a reduced pre-season before a slightly longer season but probably also less developed teams during the first month of the season … to be continued

Amended February 29 by Yannam