NFL, NFLPA and players reach agreement to open training camp, 2020 season

The NFL/NFLPA reached an agreement to open training camp and the 2020 season on time, and the players approved via a player representative vote.

Negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA culminated on Friday, leading to a finalized agreement on player safety due to COVID-19 and financial alterations for the 2020 NFL season. After a 29-3 “vote to adopt” the proposal from player representatives, the new protocols were put in place and training camp is set to commence next week.

The NFLPA released the following statement:

Our NFLPA Board of Representatives voted to adopt, by a count of 29-3, the proposed amendments to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement to protect our players’ health, safety and financial well-being.

NFL Comminisher Roger Goodell released the following statement:

The NFL clubs and the NFL Players Association approved an agreement that broadly resolves all outstanding issues relating to the opening of training camps and start of the 2020 season. Training camps will begin as scheduled.

We have worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive set of protocols designed to minimize risk for fans, players, and club and league personnel. These plans have been guided by the medical directors of the NFL and the NFLPA and have been reviewed and endorsed by independent medical and public health experts, including the CDC, and many state and local public health officials. The season will undoubtedly present new and additional challenges, but we are committed to playing a safe and complete 2020 season, culminating with the Super Bowl.

Let’s take a look at the important points in the agreement.

Player opt-out clause

Kansas City Chiefs starting right guard Laurent Tardif has already opted out of the 2020 season:

Across the board accountability for safety

“Any club personnel — not just players — will be subject to equal discipline if they engage in risky behavior that could expose themselves and others to COVID-19” a source told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Training camp ramp-up schedule finalized

Practice squads increasing to 16 players

NFL practice squads were set to expand this year but with the current safety situation, they will expand even further allowing up to 16 players, including four that can be protected from poaching.

Only 80 players allowed in camp at a time

By August 16th, teams will only be allowed to have 80 players in the building at a time, meaning if teams wish to keep their entire team practicing together there will be cuts. If a team is willing to split camp, they will be able to maintain a 90-man roster per ESPN’s Chris Mortenson.

If the season is stopped, guaranteed money will still be paid … eventually

Guaranteed salaries will be paid on a “pay as you go” basis, but if the season is stopped abruptly the remaining balance of a player’s guaranteed money due will be paid to the player in the following season.

Distribution of financial losses

The NFL is set to take a massive loss in revenue in 2020 and because future salary caps are determined based on profit/loss, the 2021 season was set up to have a massive drop in finances.

Both the NFL and NFLPA debated several outcomes for distributing the losses over several years to soften the impact on the salary cap. The agreement finally reached included:

  • The 2020 salary cap would stay at $198.2 million
  • The 2021 salary cap would be no lower than $175 million
  • If the losses from the season are less than anticipated the $175 million floor in 2021 could rise to a higher number
  • The remaining balance of losses will be spread out over the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons

By setting the floor for 2021, it will allow general managers the ability to begin planning for the future now.