The NFL and NFLPA continue to battle it out as they work on a new collective bargaining agreement, though it appears both sides still have a long way to go before an agreement is reached. Players have brought up multiple points of contention in recent weeks, most notably skepticism surrounding a potential 17-game schedule. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also voiced some concerns.
Rodgers reportedly wanted “dramatic changes” to the off-season program, seeking increased “free time” for the players:
Whereas Richard Sherman was one of the loudest voices against the proposed CBA last week, Aaron Rodgers was one of the biggest objectors last night, per sources. Rodgers wanted even more dramatic changes to the off-season program that included more free time for the players.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2020
The Packers' star's suggestion might not be without merit.
Most teams will likely have voluntary “organized team activities” (OTAs) beginning in May. Although they are indeed labeled “voluntary” by most teams, OTAs have sometimes served as the unfortunate backdrop for a player demanding a new contract.
They are also a valuable opportunity for young players to get a feel for their teammates and the offensive or defensive systems, which hardly makes them feel “voluntary.”
Multiple players have come out against the new CBA, including the Packers quarterback and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. The union seems to have multiple gripes, though this new deal would also give players the highest revenue share of any American professional sport:
If ratified by majority of players, new deal would give them the highest percentage of revenues of any American professional sport, going to 48% and eventually could climb higher than 48.5% depending on media rights. That would mean more than $5 billion in new money to players.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2020
However, the NFLPA player reps voted 17-14-1 to send the new CBA to a full union membership vote, something unlikely to happen for the next few weeks. A simple majority is needed in order for the agreement to go into effect for the 2020 season.
The drama does not appear to be ending anytime soon, especially given it seems there is a potential rift between union reps and the rest of the players.
And Rodgers is clearly among the group that isn't happy with where things stand on it, so there are some big decisions that have to be made for all parties.
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