NFL Proposes $40MM Salary Slash

The NFL has backed off of its pitch to place 35% of player salaries in escrow. Instead, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com hears, they’re now proposing a $40MM reduction of the 2020 salary cap and/or player benefits. Needless to say, that’s a non-starter for union leadership.

[RELATED: 72 NFL Players Test Positive For COVID-19]

No thanks,” one anonymous player told Pelissero. “Not taking the COVID risk and (the) financial burden.”

The league, however, did make one key concession. Under their proposal, players would be permitted to opt out of the 2020 season by providing written notice by August 1. It’s not immediately clear whether those players would receive a portion of their salaries under that proposal, however. Ideally, the union would like those players to have full compensation – or something close to it – plus an accredited season towards free agency.

The clock is ticking for both sides, but we could see some movement today. League owners are expected to hold a virtual meeting this afternoon to huddle up on the training camp schedule, opt-outs, testing protocols, and other high-priority items. Reportedly, the NFL has agreed to a modification of the injured reserve rules that will allow players to be placed under a new “COVID-19” designation, should they test positive for the coronavirus.

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