New CBA Could Include NFL's Answer to the NBA's Mid-Level Exception
The new NFL collective bargaining agreement proposed by the owners has plenty for the players to sort through. From a longer season to an extended playoff field, there is no shortage of changes potentially coming to the league.
One specific intriguing alteration has to do with taking a page out of the NBA's rulebook by copying the league's mid-level exception.
One interesting nugget from the proposed CBA: The NFL's answer to the NBA's mid-level exception, with an extra $1.25 million excluded from salary cap for up to 2 players with 4+ years experience. Minimum salaries also up across the board.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 21, 2020
This allows teams right near the salary cap to add veteran players without penalty. The exception is only for players with four or more years of experience, and the resulting salaries would be low.
Such an exception can help teams dealing with cap issues to add extra talent, throwing a bone to veteran players who otherwise would be squeezed out. It also allows high spenders to add more talent when needed.
NFL owners voted today to accept the negotiated terms on a proposed new CBA. Up to the players now.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 20, 2020
The owners have approved the proposal, and it is now up to the players to vote on and approve the changes. This new mid-level exception should not cause much controversy. The approval will come down to the larger issues, like revenue sharing and the 17-game season.