After much anticipation, NFL players voted to approve the new collective bargaining agreement, bringing labor peace to the league through the 2030 season.
It was a close vote (1,019 to 959), but the new CBA has been approved, which will bring many changes to the league as early as the 2020 season. Some of the bigger changes might not begin until 2021.
With labor peace for at least 10 years in the NFL, there will be plenty of changes. Some are good for the players while others have differing opinions on how it truly benefits the league.
Here’s a look at some of the major changes that are coming to the NFL:
- The NFL will expand to a 17-game season beginning in 2021 at the earliest.
- The preseason will be reduced to three games beginning in 2021 at the earliest.
- There will be a major playoff overhaul, including seven teams per conference with only one team receiving a bye.
- NFL teams will be permitted to use only one tag (franchise or transition) per year.
- The NFL will raise minimum salaries and improve player benefits.
- The NFL will overhaul their drugs/discipline policy beginning in 2020, with a failed test for marijuana no longer leading to a suspension.
Though the league will change slightly, having this new CBA ratified means we won’t have to worry about a lockout anytime soon.
