NFLPA approves collective bargaining agreement by just 60 votes

In a narrow 60 vote differential, the NFL Players Association voted to approve a new collective bargaining agreement.

The association announced the results on Twitter, releasing a statement.

The final tally was 1,019 “yes” votes to 959 “no” votes.

As a result, NFL seasons will now consists of 17 regular season games and the playoff format will be expanded to seven teams per conference.

Team officials were also informed that the 2020 salary cap will be set at $198.2 million and $44.7 million in benefits.

Further discussions between the league and the NFLPA are expected to determine the date for the beginning of a new league calendar.

The new agreement also includes an increase in minimum salaries for players and an increase in player revenue sharing.

The agreement is set to last 10 years through 2030.

In terms of free agency, under the new deal teams will be allowed either one Franchise Tag or one Transition Tag instead of one of each.

Notable free agents this upcoming season – whenever the new league date is set – include Tom Brady, Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry.

Players like Russell Wilson, J.J. Watt, Jarvis Landry, Aaron Donald, Stefon Diggs and Todd Gurley have expressed on social media and other outlets that they would be voting “no” for the new deal, mostly citing player safety as their top concern.

Arizona Cardinals players Patrick Peterson and Kenyan Drake were outspoken against the deal, even after its approval.

This CBA was shortsighted and constructed to benefit the players who made the majority of the league. Yes minimum salary was raised but at the cost of the players who paved the way physically/psychologically just to be short changed w/o a voice to defend their benefits. Sad

— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) March 15, 2020

Others like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Nate Solder and Devon Kennard expressed support for the deal, citing benefits for the league’s “core players.”

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