The offseason will be getting into full swing real shortly in the NFL. Combines, the draft, and free agency will see lots of changes for franchises all over the league. Despite the excitement to come, there has still been plenty of news in the NFL lately.
Let’s take a look at some of the news stories from this last week:
Owners And Players Working On New CBA
With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire in the couple years, the owners and players are discussing a possible new agreement. In fact, the owners have already agreed to one now, putting it in the hands of the players.
However, at this point, the players have balked, or at least drug their feet, to come to a decision. If the players do not agree, or if a new deal isn’t worked out, the 2020 season would be played under the previous agreement before it expires after next season.
Some of the proposed changes in the owners’ offer include changes in schedules for both the regular and postseason. For the regular season, the proposal would include a 17-game season as opposed to the current 16-game schedule.
Additionally, the number of playoff teams would expand to 14 teams from its current format of 12. Obviously, for the owners, these changes mean more games, which, in turn, means more revenue.
It appears that the owners are trying to give some concessions to the players, though. First, both the offseason and training camps would be reduced. Additionally, the minimum salaries would be raised as well as giving more money to the players via revenues. Lastly, there is also calls for penalties related to marijuana usage to go away.
Ownership seems adamant about getting a new deal done. In fact, they have said that they would like a new agreement in place by March 18; however, this might give more incentive to the players. If the owners are pushing that hard for a new deal, the players may feel they can get more out of it for themselves.
It will be interesting to see how things shake out in the long run, but this is certainly a story to keep your eye on moving forward as it could have huge ramifications, whether a deal gets done or not.
Bears Create Cap Space
The Chicago Bears certainly have some holes to fill after a disappointing season last year, but the problem is that they don’t have a ton of cap space to be able to fill those holes. That was slightly remedied this week as both cornerback Prince Amukamara and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel were cap casualties, being cut by the team.
By cutting Amukamara prior to the final year of his contract and Gabriel with two years left, the Bears are going to save just under $14 million in cap space. That now gives them at least $20 million in cap space.
For Amukamara, he will be tough to replace as he played cornerback on a vaunted defense alongside Kyle Fuller. Last season, Amukamara had 53 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Despite a productive season, he did not have any interceptions and, ultimately, while he will be tough to replace, the Bears felt they had other options that were serviceable at a cheaper rate.
For Gabriel, he had 29 receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns last season while playing in only nine games. Between Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Riley Ridley, the Bears definitely found Gabriel to be expendable at this point.
Packers Extend Crosby
Mason Crosby will be staying with the Green Bay Packers. He has agreed to a three-year deal worth just under $13 million, making him the third highest-paid kicker in the league.
Last season with the Packers, Crosby went 22 for 24 in field-goal attempts and was 40 for 41 in extra points. The 35-year-old has spent his entire career (since 2007) with the Packers, and it appears he will likely finish it with them too.
Panthers Open To Dealing
According to Yahoo Sports, it appears that the Carolina Panthers are open for business on multiple fronts. First, there is a belief that they may be willing to move up in the draft from their current 7th pick, with many believing that they would be willing to draft one of the top quarterbacks. With that in mind, what would they do with their own?
While Cam Newton has expressed a desire to stay, it appears that Carolina might be willing to move their franchise quarterback. Newton, who will turn 31 in May, played in just two games due to injuries.
In fact, he hasn’t played in a full 16 games since 2017. In that season, he threw for 3,302 yards, 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Still, when he is at the top of his game, Newton can be a premier quarterback.
The problem, though, is that his game was partially based around mobility, and with age and injuries catching up with him, he is no longer the quarterback he once was.
Stafford Won’t Be Dealt
While the Panthers may consider dealing Newton, one veteran quarterback that won’t be dealt this offseason is Matthew Stafford. According to the Detroit Lions’ general manager, Bob Quinn, Stafford will be staying.
Last season, with the Lions, Stafford played in eight games due to injury, throwing for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Stafford certainly has talent, and has put up gaudy numbers at times, but has struggled to lead his team to any type of postseason success.
At 32, he certainly isn’t getting any younger, but the Lions still look at him as a franchise quarterback that can lead them to success in the postseason.
