The NFL players have voted on the new collective bargaining agreement. In a narrow vote, the CBA was accepted 1019-959. That is a margin of 51.5% to 48.5%. Approximately 500 dues-paying members of the NFLPA did not submit a ballot. It will run through 2030. Starting this season, there will be some interesting changes throughout the league.
Starting this season, there will be two more playoff teams, meaning that the only team in each conference to get a first-round bye will be the one-seed. In 2021, the regular season will expand from 16 games to 17 games. Preseason games will decrease from four to three, so the number of total games will remain the same. The minimum wage for NFL players is being raised, as is the players’ revenue share. In addition, punishments are being decreased for players who test positive for THC, with no suspensions for those players.
In addition, teams will only be allowed to use one franchise tag on a player.
One of the most outspoken critics of the CBA has been 2-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has publicly criticized how little care the new agreement will take of retired and disabled players. In addition, he has stated how “disheartened” he is by his fellow players, who he feels are not reading his emails and updates regarding the CBA. Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, and JJ Watt are other superstar players who have spoken out against the new agreement.
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