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 adapt.The 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.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Roger Goodell wants to penalize teams like the Browns in next CBA
Reporting by Browns Alchemy, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
