Latest news with #CollectiveBargainingAgreement
NBC Sports
3 hours ago
- Business
- NBC Sports
NFLPA ponders eventual NFL push for European division
The NFL has been printing dollars for years. In time, it may be printing Euros. The NFL Players Association, we're told, is preparing for the NFL to eventually make a push for a four-team European division. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell has been actively discussing the pros and cons of putting multiple teams — and more than 200 union jobs — on another continent. And there are more than a few cons. Will players want to move to London or Germany or Spain or wherever? Living in a different country introduces a host of new issues, starting with the governmental structure and continuing with the taxation system, cost of living, the potential language barrier, and more. Then there's the draft. It's one thing to tell a 21-year-old who'd prefer to live in his hometown of Pittsburgh that he's moving to Seattle. It's another to tell a kid from Phoenix that he's packing for Frankfurt. From the league's perspective, there's no evidence that a plan is in place to put one or more teams in Europe in the foreseeable future. The goal for now is to expand the number of permissible international games under the Collective Bargaining Agreement from 10 to 16. That said, this year's decision to give the Vikings consecutive 'road' games in Dublin and London is, we've previously explained, the first effort to evaluate the impact of a multi-week foreign trip on a U.S.-based team. If/when team(s) are in Europe, that's how it will go. In lieu of traveling across the Atlantic Ocean twice in a given season, teams will get their European games played during the same trip. One basic question, if the league were to put four teams in Europe, is where the teams will come from. Expansion, as to all four teams, is a possibility. Making that option more attractive is the price that a new owner would pay the other owners for a team. Right now, an expansion fee of $10 billion per team wouldn't be crazy. Four teams means $40 billion, which also means $1.25 billion for each existing owner. Another question becomes where a four-team European division would be placed. Currently, the league has four eight-team divisions. Adding four teams would result in four five-team divisions and four four-team divisions. One obvious goal, in order to minimize travel, would be to put the four European teams (and their two games per year against each other) in the same four-team division. But that division would have to be placed in either the AFC or the NFC. That would create a potentially significant burden on the other teams in the European division's conference — especially if the European division's champion wins the No. 1 seed in the conference. Then there's the reality that the three California-based teams, along with the Seahawks, Cardinals, Raiders, and Broncos, could be facing ridiculously long trips for playoff games. Likewise, the European teams could be facing the same kind of postseason travel realities. One fairly obvious solution would be to restructure the league to put the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, Cardinals, Raiders, Broncos, Chargers, and one other midwestern team (Cowboys, Texans, Chiefs, Saints, or Vikings) in two divisions of the same conference — with the European division in the other conference. Regardless, it's not just another effort to generate short-term interest and media coverage during the annual European games. Yes, the league has a habit of dangling carrots (e.g., London Super Bowl!) when it's time to move the needle in England. But it's possible that some of the more outlandish possibilities aren't simply aimed at creating headlines. In 2022, Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned the possibility of a four-team division during a pre-London game hype session. Although he has since pivoted his focus to 16 international regular-season games, it's not an either-or alternative. It's quite possibly a stepping stone.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Roger Goodell wants to penalize teams like the Browns in next CBA
Roger Goodell wants to penalize teams like the Browns in next CBA NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the future of the league at a press conference at the ownership meeting and has seemingly targeted teams like the Cleveland Browns. Goodell spoke a lot about the sport and the future of the NFL. He explained how the league wants to grow, and the Browns may be in trouble. Goodell talked about the integrity of the cap system during the system. He flouted possible reforms to the financialization of the cap. Goodell expounded on his ideas when asked about the future of the collective bargaining agreement. 'There are no formal plans on any discussions. We obviously continue to be in close communication with the union on a variety of matters, but no start of negotiations have been set or are under consideration really at this point. We did spend time today talking, at length, about areas of our Collective Bargaining Agreement that we want to focus on. The two areas that we spent time on were really the cap system itself, the integrity of that system, how's it working, where do we need to address that in the context of collective bargaining, when that does happen. That was a very lengthy discussion.' Goodell is targeting teams that skirt around the salary cap through clever bookkeeping. The Browns could be in his sight line. General manager Andrew Berry is well-regarded for his cap creativity. The team employs a variety of strategies, including void years and signing bonuses, to maximize its year-to-year payroll. It's one of the few reasons why the Browns have had a modicum of success after the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade. If the league changes its financial rules, the Browns will have to NFL owners are planning to ask a lot from the players' union. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in 2030. The deal was negotiated by former Browns' center and then-NFLPA President JC Tretter. The agreement must have been beneficial for the players, as franchise owners are already complaining that players are getting too much money. The league has been howling for an 18th game since the ink dried on the deal. They also want to expand the international games from 10 to 16 games per year. The players have a lot to think about. Players may want to consider revising the agreement to put guaranteed money into an escrow account. The rule originated in the 1970s, when there was greater financial instability surrounding professional football. However, the league has turned into the king of TV. Teams make more money than ever. Owners have used the escrow clause as an excuse for not being comfortable giving out fully guaranteed contracts. The NFLPA will have ample time to outline its demands and develop a plan of action. Five years away from negotiations, NFL owners are already saying players are paid too much and not working enough. The next collective bargaining negotiation in 2030 is shaping up to be a hostile one. The Browns could end up on the short end of the stick if negotiations end poorly for the players.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trey Hendrickson willing to miss games if he does not get new deal with Cincinnati: Report
The standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson continues as the star defensive end seeks a larger contract with the franchise. While the Bengals have secured Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals, Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati remains hanging in the air. On Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that several teams have expressed interest in the 30-year-old amid the contractual negotiations. However, two NFC executives noted that the Bengals will find a way to keep Hendrickson around after a spectacular 2024 season. "I can't see how they can let a great player go for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now," an NFC executive said. Another said, "I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves." "The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them," the executive added. ESPN's Ben Baby noted that Hendrickson is reportedly "extremely dug in" on missing games or the entire season if he does not land a new contract. Hendrickson is yet to participate in any of the Bengals' voluntary workouts this offseason amid the tug of war with the front office. His absence comes despite being spotted at the team facility in mid-May. With mandatory minicamp running from June 10-12 in Cincinnati, Hendrickson could get fined if he no-shows the three-day preparation for the season. According to the NFL's current Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player can be fined $16,953 for the first missed day, $33,908 for the second day and $50,855 for the third day with unexcused absences. In a previous statement to ESPN, Hendrickson said that "no communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft." "The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. "I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that's hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals." Hendrickson is heading into the final year of his contract and is set to make $15.8 million in base salary according to Over The Cap. This comes after a career-best season in which he recorded 33 tackles and an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks. After being drafted by the Saints and spending four seasons in New Orleans, Hendrickson arrived in Cincinnati and earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the past four seasons. His impressive performances led to the Bengals giving him a one-year extension in 2023 worth $21 million. According to Sportrac, Hendrickson received $16 million in guaranteed money and a $10 million signing bonus with his initial four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals. His 2023 extension gave Hendrickson an $8 million signing bonus and increased his salary by $5 million. Hendrickson requested a trade last offseason after the team opted not to give him a new deal, but ultimately reported for OTAs and played out the season. The Bengals gave Hendrickson permission to seek a trade in March. Apart from Hendrickson, his teammate, rookie Shemar Stewart, is also sitting out OTAs while negotiating a clause in his rookie contract. Other notable OTA holdouts include T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh, James Cook in Buffalo and Micah Parsons in Dallas, with absences linked to contract-related matters.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trey Hendrickson willing to miss games if he does not get new deal with Cincinnati: Report
The standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson continues as the star defensive end seeks a larger contract with the franchise. While the Bengals have secured Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals, Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati remains hanging in the air. On Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that several teams have expressed interest in the 30-year-old amid the contractual negotiations. However, two NFC executives noted that the Bengals will find a way to keep Hendrickson around after a spectacular 2024 season. "I can't see how they can let a great player go for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now," an NFC executive said. Another said, "I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves." "The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them," the executive added. ESPN's Ben Baby noted that Hendrickson is reportedly "extremely dug in" on missing games or the entire season if he does not land a new contract. Hendrickson is yet to participate in any of the Bengals' voluntary workouts this offseason amid the tug of war with the front office. His absence comes despite being spotted at the team facility in mid-May. With mandatory minicamp running from June 10-12 in Cincinnati, Hendrickson could get fined if he no-shows the three-day preparation for the season. According to the NFL's current Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player can be fined $16,953 for the first missed day, $33,908 for the second day and $50,855 for the third day with unexcused absences. In a previous statement to ESPN, Hendrickson said that "no communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft." "The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. "I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that's hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals." Hendrickson is heading into the final year of his contract and is set to make $15.8 million in base salary according to Over The Cap. This comes after a career-best season in which he recorded 33 tackles and an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks. After being drafted by the Saints and spending four seasons in New Orleans, Hendrickson arrived in Cincinnati and earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the past four seasons. His impressive performances led to the Bengals giving him a one-year extension in 2023 worth $21 million. According to Sportrac, Hendrickson received $16 million in guaranteed money and a $10 million signing bonus with his initial four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals. His 2023 extension gave Hendrickson an $8 million signing bonus and increased his salary by $5 million. Hendrickson requested a trade last offseason after the team opted not to give him a new deal, but ultimately reported for OTAs and played out the season. The Bengals gave Hendrickson permission to seek a trade in March. Apart from Hendrickson, his teammate, rookie Shemar Stewart, is also sitting out OTAs while negotiating a clause in his rookie contract. Other notable OTA holdouts include T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh, James Cook in Buffalo and Micah Parsons in Dallas, with absences linked to contract-related matters.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trey Hendrickson willing to miss games if he does not get new deal with Cincinnati: Report
The standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson continues as the star defensive end seeks a larger contract with the franchise. While the Bengals have secured Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals, Hendrickson's future in Cincinnati remains hanging in the air. On Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that several teams have expressed interest in the 30-year-old amid the contractual negotiations. However, two NFC executives noted that the Bengals will find a way to keep Hendrickson around after a spectacular 2024 season. Advertisement "I can't see how they can let a great player go for a draft pick, given the pressure to win now," an NFC executive said. Another said, "I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves." "The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them," the executive added. ESPN's Ben Baby noted that Hendrickson is reportedly "extremely dug in" on missing games or the entire season if he does not land a new contract. Hendrickson is yet to participate in any of the Bengals' voluntary workouts this offseason amid the tug of war with the front office. His absence comes despite being spotted at the team facility in mid-May. Advertisement With mandatory minicamp running from June 10-12 in Cincinnati, Hendrickson could get fined if he no-shows the three-day preparation for the season. According to the NFL's current Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player can be fined $16,953 for the first missed day, $33,908 for the second day and $50,855 for the third day with unexcused absences. In a previous statement to ESPN, the FAU product said that "no communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post-draft." "The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. "I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that's hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals." Advertisement Hendrickson is heading into the final year of his contract and is set to make $15.8 million in base salary according to Over The Cap. This comes after a career-best season, recording 33 tackles and an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks. After being drafted by the Saints and spending four seasons in New Orleans, Hendrickson arrived in Cincinnati and earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the past four seasons. His impressive performances led to the Bengals giving him a one-year extension in 2023 worth $21 million. According to Sportrac, Hendrickson received $16 million in guaranteed money and a $10 million signing bonus with his initial four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals. His 2023 extension gave Hendrickson an $8 million signing bonus and increased his salary by $5 million. Hendrickson requested a trade last offseason after the team opted not to give him a new deal, but ultimately reported for OTAs and played out the season. The Bengals granted Hendrickson to seek a trade in March. Advertisement Apart from Hendrickson, his teammate, rookie Shemar Stewart, is also sitting out OTAs while negotiating a clause in his rookie contract. Other notable OTA holdouts include T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh, James Cook in Buffalo and Micah Parsons in Dallas, with absences linked to contract-related matters.
