1977
After players won the Mackey case in court, the NFLPA and the owners settled on a new CBA that implemented a new first refusal and compensation system to replace the Rozelle Rule. The new system still placed restrictions on players’ free agency. The court decision outlined that compensation for draft picks was to be awarded on the basis of the salaries received by departing free agents. The agreement reached in 1977 significantly improved some medical and pension benefits for players and gained neutral arbitration of all player/club disputes