NFL, NFLPA officially agree to terms on a 2020 season

The NFL and the NFLPA have modified the Collective Bargaining Agreement so that the 2020 season can happen despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There were several provisions that were sticking points all week, but that is now all worked out.

From NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:

The NFL clubs and the NFL Players Association approved an agreement that broadly resolves all outstanding issues relating to the opening of training camps and start of the 2020 season. Training camps will begin as scheduled.

We have worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive set of protocols designed to minimize risk for fans, players, and club and league personnel. These plans have been guided by the medical directors of the NFL and the NFLPA and have been reviewed and endorsed by independent medical and public health experts, including the CDC, and many state and local public health officials. The season will undoubtedly present new and additional challenges, but we are committed to playing a safe and complete 2020 season, culminating with the Super Bowl.

Some key points that have come out.

• Details on the two types of opt-outs. Players have a week after deal is finalized to submit their opt-out request.
• Roster reduces from 90 to 80. The trimming down comes just three weeks into training camp. This will impact undrafted free agents the most.
• No immediate reduction in salary cap for 2020. A floor of $175 million was set for 2021, but can go higher if revenues are better than expected. Hat tip to those of you who voted for less than $25 million in our poll earlier this week.
• If there is a serious loss in revenue, the cost to the cap will spread out over the next four years to 2024.
• Players and club personnel will be subject to equal discipline if they engage in risky behavior.

As for the Denver Broncos, head coach Vic Fangio and his 25-person coaching staff is already back to work according to Mike Klis of 9News. The rookies have already reported and veterans are scheduled to get their COVID-19 testing completed on Tuesday.

Football is official back for another season!