In what could be an NFL-changing event, the league and the National Football League Players Association have agreed to begin new collective bargaining agreement negotiations, set for July 17-19. The hope is to get a new deal in place before the actual season kicks off on Sept. 5. At stake? A comprehensive change to the NFL’s ridiculous discipline policy, its drug policy and possible limits to the power of Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Sources: CBA talks between the NFL and NFLPA are expected to intensify this summer in an effort to get a new deal done by the start of the 2019 season. 3-4 negotiating sessions possible in July alone. Story here: https://t.co/lbCTjFoKfe
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) July 2, 2019
The last time the NFL and NFLPA negotiated a CBA, the league locked out players for five months in 2011. It only cost the NFL one preseason game, but the NFLPA blinked, much to the detriment of its members. It might not be so compliant again.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is, reportedly, leading the owners and his team has been hit especially hard by Goodell’s draconian punishments.
Last time, Robert Kraft was a key player in getting the CBA done; this time, Jerry Jones is emerging as a driving force https://t.co/5rY8MHrM6b
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 2, 2019
The current deal expires after the 2020 season. Is another lockout on the horizon? San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is sure of it.
“It’s going to happen (the lockout),” Sherman told reporters last year. “So it’s not like guys are guessing on that one.”
There have been a handful of preliminary meetings between the NFL and NFLPA since April. According to Sports Illustrated, both sides feel like they can skip the lockout this time.
Critical term for the current CBA talks between NFL and NFLPA: "Stadium credits" https://t.co/B66KQ0iwPL
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 2, 2019
The biggest obstacle for the NFLPA is its own executive director, DeMaurice Smith, who was pushed around thoroughly during the last lockout, leading to a near dictatorial reign from Roger Goodell ever since.
NFL is Trying to Get a New CBA Agreement in Before The Season; Does This Mean NFLPA Are Caving Again in Negotiations? (Video) https://t.co/vLOAKN9dLu via @Trueblue1824 pic.twitter.com/kC9lTGZ083
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) July 2, 2019
Goodell’s power, especially to hand out punishments to players, will be on the table. As well as potential changes in the league’s personal conduct policy and drug use policy. Don’t be surprised to see new demands placed on free agency rules, specifically the function and use of the franchise tag. Player health and safety will get a hard look as well as the effects of CTE and the well-being of former players continues to weigh heavy on the NFL’s brand.
