Just to clear up a few points:
The NFLPA is a union for active players not retired players. As such, they represent the their members. Seems to me that guys who made millions should figure out how to care for themselves after their playing (making millions of dollars) days are over.
One can feel for the old guys but they aren't in the union.
The fact that contracts are not all guarenteed is the biggest boon to opening positions to new players found in sports. In baseball, all contracts are guarenteed and over the hill players don't get cut and this doesn't make room for new players.
Baseball does somewhat compensate because "prospects" are the new trade gold. However, it doesn't totally compensate.
It's well known that the Pats have the highest percentage of college educated players. Maybe they feel they can skip checkbook lessons.
Also, the players that would benefit the most from an uncapped year are the best players. If the Pats have an over representation of good players, one would expect less interest in the CBA. "Over paying" can only happen within the context of a salary cap.
No salary cap benefits the Pats more than any other team. We are the only franchise that combines superior organizational ability with top tier financial resources. Pittsburgh can't compete financially. Snyder and Jerry Jones are morons.