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So you think there is a deal to be made here?
I do. It will be pegged off of the most recent Cap number -- $128 million ($123 million with a $5 million adjustment due to the uncapped year). And I think the deal will include the following:
Small year-to-year increases from that $128 million 2009 Cap number and the continuation of the Cap
An18 game season to be implemented in 2012.
Upgraded health benefits, injury protection and post-career medical coverage.
An independent appeals process for drug testing but not for personal conduct.
Greater recovery rights of bonus money paid to players who get into trouble.
The continued application of the Franchise tag.
A rookie salary scale dramatically reducing pay for top picks with savings directed to benefits and salary for active and retired players.
Incentives for owners who maximize marketing and ancillary income for their franchises.
Increased funding to retired player programs from both sides.
There is a deal to be made here. And I think it will be made. The better question is when.
He also thinks the 18 game schedule is a done deal for 2012 because it is the only way to grow the pie and the pie size positively impacts both sides. Thinks there will be accommodations made for safety like in season IR, expanded rosters and expanded game day actives and shorter camps. Doesn't address impact that will have on development.
Also opines that UFA will revert to 4 years, however rightly notes that that may not be a panacea for the large number of FA that would result this year due to the loss of FA for so many last season given the return of the cap.
NFL Labor pains, part six | National Football Post