I'm not TOO worried about this. There were several parts of the deal that were intended to spur on negotiation. The players DID get a huge chunk of the pie last time around, and I think is the highest % amongst top tier pro sports.
Frankly, the players have it very very good in a lot of ways - and in a very fair method. While most contracts are NOT guarenteed (I don't think they should be, in any sport) - low tier players get compensated far beyond their contract from the system they created to reward minimum deal player that participate in several plays. I think this is amongst the strongest program in sports... And also creates quality competition amongst players... Something you don't see in say... MLB.
The owners want a larget piece of the pie, and that's fair - they should. However, the overall health of the league requires competition. As much as people say they 'miss the dynasty era', the league has never been more popular nor generated as much revenue as they are right now. Heck, the league almost sells out EVERY game at EVERY stadium, save a few crappy franchises, like Buffalo and Arizona, but I think Zona sold out every game in their new stadium.
The bottom line is, both sides should move to get something done fast. The NFL's system for compensating players and owners has made every team competitive for the most part, and all are making money - BIG money. I can see some things being tweaked like the b.s. rookie cap that is in place now that simply does NOT work, as well as more incentives for veteran players that are not stars (which as it stands is incredible versus the other major league sports). Also, I could see a team's rights to a player being held another year or 2 beyond the 4 years currently. 4 is just not enough in the NFL... 6 would be a good number.
If the NFL goes uncapped, though... Buffalo, Green Bay and a couple of other teams are likely gone. Actually, if Favre hadn't come along, GB likely would already be gone.
|