NotStuckonStupid Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 What happens if the NFL labor agreement isn't extended? If there is no extension of the NFL labor agreement, there will be no salary cap in 2007 and less money will be available to sign players in 2006. What's affected? Long-term deals: The proration of signing bonuses will be limited to four years instead of six, meaning less cap room for teams and agents to work with. Restructuring contracts: Annual raises can't be more than 30 percent. That limits the popular loophole of converting base salaries into bonuses to lower cap figures. Actual cap room: Incentive bonuses labeled "not likely to be earned" count on the cap immediately instead of being rolled into the next season. An example of an NLTBE incentive is a player making a Pro Bowl who has never made one. Also, there is no June 1 rule that in the past allowed teams to cut a player after that date and spread out the remaining portion of unaccounted bonus over two seasons, saving cap space. Whatever is left over now accelerates immediately onto the cap when a player is cut. Signing draft picks: The four-year proration will limit the creativity associated with rookie contracts. Long holdouts would be likely. With no salary scale, teams can pay young players below the current minimums of $235,000, $310,000 and $385,000 a year. There will be no college draft in 2008 without a contract extension. Competitive balance. With no cap, small-market teams like Buffalo could be outbid for free agents. However, the four teams playing in the conference championships in 2006 won't be able to sign free agents in '07 unless they lose one of their own free agents first. Player movement: In 2007, only players with six years' experience will be unrestricted free agents. It's now four years. That will limit the pool of prime players. Labor peace. The NFL has enjoyed it since 1993, but after 2007, a lockout or strike is likely. The league's multibillion-dollar TV package would then be jeopardized. from the Roch. D&C. Just thought i would post this for info. The one in Bold is the one that stuck out to me and limits the Bills options as to FA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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