The NFL Players’ Association announced on Monday that it is moving back the voting deadline for players on the NFL’s proposed collective-bargaining agreement to March 14.
While votes were originally scheduled to be due by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 12, the NFLPA’s board of players reps voted to extend the deadline until March 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The NFL has encountered significant pushback from players regarding the league’s CBA offer. NFL stars Michael Thomas, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and J.J. Watt have all publicly blasted the proposal and voted no on it.
However, the consequences of rejecting the proposal could be damaging for many current and former players. If a deal isn’t reached, it would cost them upwards of $700 million in 2020.
There is plenty at stake for NFL owners, too. The league wants to move forward with negotiating new television contracts, which could come in at record-setting figures. However, the NFL would lose its leverage if there is a potential lockout at risk and television ratings take a hit next season due to the 2020 election.
Until a vote is made, NFL teams will get to use both the transition tag and franchise tag on their players headed for free agency. It’s good news for the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans, giving both organizations more time to negotiate with their star free-agent talent.