Negotiations for the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NFL and NFL Players Association will likely be ongoing for a few years before the current agreement ends in 2020, but are expected to begin before the end of the year, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. When they do, the amount of allowed practice time is expected to be one of the key issues in negotiations.
NFL expected to push for more practice in CBA negotiations
CBA negotiations are expected to begin soon with increased practice time and more practice squad spots as part of the talks.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As a way of protecting players from injuries, practice limits are negotiated by the NFLPA; however, Rapoport says that the NFL could allow for more practice squad spots in the event that “a Jayvee practice” is added that allows coaches to work more with young players that don’t get playing time on Sundays.
According to Rapoport, coaches are the ones pushing for the chance to work with young players more:
Coaches have been asking for more practices and more teaching opportunities after the last CBA limited both the number of practices and how teams practice.
Coaches are hoping for increased practice time for younger players who are still learning. If players don’t see the field Sunday, they wouldn’t be getting as much contact as their counterparts who regularly play. In essence, a Jayvee practice could be added, giving coaches another few hours to train players.
Currently, practice squads are allowed to reach 10 players so the addition of more spots would mean more employed players in the NFL, something that is an integral part of the NFLPA’s goal in negotiations.
Ultimately, revenue sharing will likely be the biggest sticking point and was the reason why there was a lockout in 2011 from March until July while a new CBA was being negotiated.
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