The NFL and NFLPA are striving to come to an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement before the 2019 season kicks off, according to to a new report from ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Per Graziano, the two sides have scheduled three days of negotiating later this month. This builds upon some earlier preliminary discussions between the players and the owners, though this will be the first time the two sides meet for such a lengthy period.
The current CBA expires after the 2020 season but the league and the player’s union are both hoping to hammer out a new agreement well in advance. That has not been the case in past CBA negotiations. The current CBA was signed in 2011 after a very contentious battle and a brief lockout.
Back in May, NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith emailed all the players urging them to save money and prepare for a potential loss of games. While a shock to some, it also shows the urgency to which Smith and his top lieutenants are working to avoid any possible work stoppage.
Commissioner Roger Goodell and Smith will spearhead the negotiations. It is too early to tell if the talks will bear fruit, but it’s a good sign the two sides are actively working on a new deal well before crunch time.
