Previously, Canadian Football League players had to sign a minimum two-year contract to join a team, and the league didn’t provide an out for those looking to jump to the NFL. Well, it sounds like the CFL has softened its stance, as TSN’s David William Naylor reports that the league has voted to reinstate their “NFL window.” The league had voted against this change earlier this year.
As Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com explains, this would allow “certain players to work out for NFL teams and sign contracts that would become effective at the end of a given CFL season.” That way, instead of being obligated to the CFL for two seasons, players would have the ability to sign with an NFL team after only one season in Canada.
However, as Florio points out, the rule would only apply to players who ink contracts after August 20th of this year. That means players like quarterback Johnny Manziel, who signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats back in May, won’t be able to join the NFL until their contracts expire. The rule change also wouldn’t apply to running back Dexter McCluster, who recently signed with the Toronto Argonauts. On the flip side, if a player signs after August 20th, they’d have the ability to return to the NFL next year.
Florio wonders if the CFL may have been pressured by the developing spring football leagues, which will presumably provide players with the ability to return to the NFL. Ultimately, Florio believes this change could eventually lead to the CFL allowing one-year contracts or a clear NFL-out clause. As Naylor observes, the rule also came about due to Toronto Argonauts running back James Wilder‘s threats to sit out the entire CFL season due to his inability to join an NFL team.
They had to do this to keep up with Vince McMahon’s new league..
The CFL isn’t the least bit concerned with Vince McMahon. The Canadian league has been around longer than the NFL and seen leagues come and go in the past. The policy change will have a minimal effect on rosters so it really isn’t a big deal.
CFL founded in 1958. NFL founded in 1920……………
NFL FOUNDED IN 1920, CFL founded in 1958…………..
Delvin Breaux will be eligible to return to the NFL after this season as he only signed a one year deal in the CFL which he was allowed to do as he previously played in the league. #SHUT DOWN CORNER
Thanks for the heads up!
Man…James wilder is 60 and still playing in the CFL? And he’s upset he can’t get back to the NFL?
Dude was a hoss on tecmo super bowl…I can easily see why he’s still in playing shape.
(Before you comment, I know the article is about his son but the link goes to his dad.)
Fixed now…..bummer….
Bo Levi Mitchell would be awesome in the NFL
this football site needs the CFL
Most of the smart NFL executives are aware of the value of the CFL even if many fans consider it bush league. It’s a particularly good proving ground for coaches, many of whom like Bud Grant and Marv Levy eventually went south to achieve noteworthy success.