League proposes immediate changes to rookie pay

[Kevin Greene]

Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal reports that the league has proposed the implementation of a rookie wage scale for the April 2010 draft. She also reports that the NFLPA has responded with a proposal that would change the structure of the rookie deals beginning in 2010, too.

The league's proposal, per Mullen, would pay players a fixed amount based on draft slot, with a "significant" portion of the savings being distributed to retired players. The NFLPA responded Tuesday with a proposed three-year limit on rookie contracts, along with a two-year extension to the current labor deal and a commitment by the owners to match the payment to the retired players arising from the contribution flowing from the savings in rookie pay.

This would make our #1 we shipped to the 49ers even more valuable if that pick can be signed at the newer discount rate.

Either way, how smart are the Patriots to trade for the Raiders 2011 #1 which will almost certainly be at a cheaper price. No Jamarcus Russell type contracts for the Pats.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/14/league-proposes-immediate-changes-to-rookie-pay/

[Kettle]

about time

[Brooklyn Bully]

While it does make the 49ers two picks cheaper, if it goes through, I like this for the future. We deserve first round picks, and those KIDS were making way, way, wayyy too much money.

[Snake]

This is one step to a new CBA right there. Paying a dude 50 mill is just stupid IMO.

[Nicbsbll2]

Screw rookie wages (although a rookie pay scale is needed), I'm just excited to see that they proposed an extension to the CBA (which means no lock out in 2011)

[Scrumtrilescent]

That was the NFLPA, they aren't the ones that cut the current CBA up. They want it to be extended, the owners don't (not enough money for them...which is the real hangup between the two, how to divvy up the money between teams/players).

[unicar15]

It'd be great if they could get a new CBA in place. Rookie wages are one of the biggest obstacles.

[KillerKat]

about time

:iagree:

Should've been done YEARS ago.

[Murph]

That was the NFLPA, they aren't the ones that cut the current CBA up. They want it to be extended, the owners don't (not enough money for them...which is the real hangup between the two, how to divvy up the money between teams/players).

Very true, rookie pay scales were an issue that both sides thought could be agreed on. It is the other issues on the table that they are so far apart on.

[jasonluckydog]

The guys who held out for 1 more year to help there draft status will be screwed

[panthers55]

It'd be great if they could get a new CBA in place. Rookie wages are one of the biggest obstacles.

No they aren't. Owners don't really care about how you slice up the pie they are interested in how much they have to pay overall which they think is too much. The total pie is the only issue. They floated the rookie salary as part of the negotiations wanting to have their cake and eat it too. The players union said fine as long as we get the same slice of pie (extending the CBA) and saying that if the money saved goes to the retirees and not the veterans, then give the same out of your pocket.

It will go nowhere and the owners will reject the players proposal. This is the opening salvo not anything close to an agreement.

[Nu Guns]

Good start...dont seeing it happening by draft day though

[KatsAzz]

There wll probably be a lot of players coming out early,hoping this does not pass until after this years NFL draft.

[Sandy Claws]

The guys who held out for 1 more year to help there draft status will be screwed

That's a "money for nothing" mentality. If they can produce on the field, they'll get their coin. The league cannot support continuing to guarantee money to players who BUST.