The NFL is frantically trying to reach labor peace so that all of the owners can focus in building talent for the 2020 season. With the new league year now less than a month away, collective bargaining talks are ongoing to try and work out a deal ahead of the expiration of the current CBA, after the 2020 season. The league is destined to take in gobs of more money, with a new TV deal on the way following 2021, and the legalization of gambling in states all across the country; there are proposals to have sports books located at several stadiums for in-game wagers.
On Wednesday, word came out there are likely to be two additional money-making provisions that will alter the NFL landscape. There is talk that the league, with the NFLPA needing to sign off, will add not just a 17th regular season game (taking away one preseason contest), but also add a seventh playoff team in each conference.
NFL playoff structure is about to be changed. Under the current CBA proposal, seven teams from each conference will make the playoffs, with only bye per conference, sources tell ESPN. It would go into effect this upcoming season. More coming on https://t.co/rDZaVFhcDQ.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2020
The sports world, for some reason, broke out in disgust and panic about the change, as if there hasn’t been many changes to the playoff structure as the league has evolved over the decades.
Up until 1978, NFL had 3 division winners & 1 wild-card team. Added 2nd WC that season, 3 teams had byes.
1990 season, added 3rd WC team, top 2 seeds had byes.
Realignment in 2002 to 4 divisions, 2 WC teams, 2 byes.
2020, 4 divisions, 3 WC teams, 1 bye.
It'll be fine, folks.
— KD Drummond (@KDDrummondNFL) February 20, 2020
In 1978 (h/t @FrankieKen28), 10 of 28 teams made the playoffs (35.7%). In 1990, 12 of 28 teams made it (42.9%). In 2002, 12 of 32 teams were in the dance (37.5%) and now in 2020, 14 of 32 teams will reach the postseason (43.8%). Did any Cowboys fans have a problem with the playoff legitimacy of the 1990s?
A discussion of everything that’s on the table with the new CBA begins our link roundup.
What we know about where things stand with the NFL CBA negotiations :: USA Today
Mike Jones outlines all of the things already agreed upon (17th game, 7th playoff spot, increase in player’s percentage of revenue), and all of the things left to work out (mimimum salaries, less practice, funding rule that is big roadblock to fully guaranteed contracts).
Cowboys’ decisions on defense, special teams: Tricky keeping Byron Jones :: ESPN
Todd Archer makes the case for keeping most of the big-name bubble guys in these units, including Byron Jones, Robert Quinn, Sean Lee, Jeff Heath, and Kai Forbath… but not Michael Bennett.
Mailbag: Concern building for Vander Esch? :: The Mothership
Staff writer David Helman says, “I haven’t talked to anyone inside the organization who is overly worried about Leighton’s availability.”
Could DE Robert Quinn join Rod Marinelli with the Raiders? :: Inside the Star
Following the lead of Raiders Wire’s Marcus Mosher, ItS ponders if Quinn might look to reunite with the defensive coordinator who helped spark his 11.5-sack 2019 campaign with the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys roster breakdown: Wide receiver is the most complex situation :: Blogging the Boys
This deep dive into the team’s receiving corps takes a look at who’s locked up, who’s entering free agency, who’s out there on the market, who’s available in the draft… and how Dez Bryant adds a major X factor to the whole thing.
What’s behind a perfect stiff-arm? :: NFL.com
Ezekiel Elliott joins Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram in this video that explores the favorite get-off-me move of running backs, including the nuts and bolts of delivering the blow, the sweet spot for its effective placement, and which of their past stiff-arms stands out as most memorable.
2020 Free Agency: Predicting landing spots for every PFF top-50 free agent :: ProFootballFocus
The outlet breaks out their crystal ball and forecasts that the Cowboys will sign Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper to cha-chingworthy new deals, bring in defensive tackle Mike Daniels for a reunion with Mike McCarthy, and let Byron Jones go… to Las Vegas.
Top 5 QBs in Cowboys history. pic.twitter.com/rK13NAYjNH
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) February 19, 2020
Cowboys 2020 NFL mock draft roundup: Check out all the new names showing up for Dallas :: Blogging The Boys
BTB takes a look at 11 different opinions on where the Dallas Cowboys will go with pick number 17 in the NFL draft.
Dallas PD issues statement that Amari Cooper is fine :: Pro Football Talk
In a crazy story that surfaced all over social media today, Pro Football Talk with the help of Amari Cooper himself clear up any rumors of a possible shooting.
QB Overview: How Quickly Can Dak Be Signed? :: The Mothership
Looking at big changes to the coaching staff and also addresses the back up behind the eventually signed Dak Prescott.
Agent’s Take: Target prices for Tom Brady, Dak Prescott and other 2020 free agent quarterbacks :: CBS Sports
Former NFL agent Joel Corry breaks down what he thinks it will take for Prescott to remain in Dallas.
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