Report: NFL wants to finalize COVID-19 protocols with NFLPA by end of week
The NFL is aiming to finalize the deal with the league's players' union before Sunday, though neither party is setting a firm deadline to strike an agreement, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, who play in the 2020 season opener, are scheduled to begin strength and conditioning Sunday. Veterans across the league must report by July 28.
Since the collective bargaining agreement doesn't allow for a strike or lockout under these circumstances, the NFL could extend virtual workouts indefinitely if no deal is reached by its target date, added Pelissero.
A major sticking point is reportedly how to manage lost salary cap revenue.
The NFLPA wants to spread the financial hit through 2030, rather than taking it now. And even a $10 million reduction in the 2020 salary cap would be “too much” at this stage, one GM said. Rosters are largely set. Many teams would be scrambling to free up money somewhere.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2020
The NFL and the NFLPA have recently come to terms regarding daily coronavirus testing procedures, but negotiations for other issues - such as player opt-outs - remain in progress despite the imminent start of training camp.
Star players such as Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and J.J. Watt led a coordinated social media effort last week to criticize the league's response to the coronavirus pandemic, using the hashtag "We Want To Play."
According to the NFL Players Association, 59 NFL players have tested positive for coronavirus as of Tuesday.
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