The NFL will have labor peace through at least 2030 after the players voted 1,019-959 to approve the new collective bargaining agreement.
The nearly 2,500-player membership had until 9:59 p.m. Saturday to vote online for the CBA. A simple majority was required to pass or decline the deal.
The league still plans to start their free-agent negotiating window Monday at 10 a.m., followed by the start of the signing/trading period Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Because the new CBA was approved, teams can use only one tag (franchise or transition).
Some of the key components of the new CBA:
*The regular season will be extended to 17 games by 2021 at the earliest. The preseason will shorten to three games.
*The postseason will expand this year from 12 to 14 teams. Only the top seed in each conference will get a bye.
*The players’ share of revenues will rise from 47% to 48% (starting in 2021) and eventually 48.8% when the 17-game season is introduced.
*Rookie minimum salaries will increase by $100,000 this year.
*Active rosters on game-day will expand from 46 to 48 players and overall rosters will increase from 53 to 55 and practice squads from 10 to 12 players in 2020-21 and to 14 starting in 2022.
*Players can no longer be suspended for testing positive for marijuana and the test window is now two weeks at the start of training camp instead of a four-month window.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell: “We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify the proposed new CBA, which will provide substantial benefits to all current and retired players, increase jobs, ensure continued progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football. We appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of the Management Council Executive Committee and the NFLPA leadership, both of whom devoted nearly a year to detailed, good faith negotiations to reach this comprehensive, transformative agreement.”
NFLPA president J.C. Tretter: “We understand and know that players have been split on this team, including members of the (executive committee). Going forward, it is our duty to lead, however we may feel as individuals, to bring our men together and to continue to represent the interests of our entire membership.”
