As the NFL's response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the NFL Players Association has issued an economic counterproposal to the league, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Saturday, per informed sources.
The NFLPA detailed the following specifics within the counterproposal: No escrow of 2020 salaries, a flat salary cap of $198.2 million for 2021, the spread of revenue losses from this year over the 2022-2030 salary caps and payment of all fully guaranteed money even if games are canceled due to the pandemic.
Pelissero reported Friday that members of the NFL Management Council Executive Committee and NFLPA Executive Committee are scheduled to have a conference call Monday to continue working through outstanding issues, such as testing protocols and compensation, before players report for training camp later this month.
On Tuesday, the NFL proposed 35 percent of player salaries in escrow, a proposition not well received by several players, including Saints star wideout Michael Thomas. Pelissero reiterated as much Saturday, stating that the NFLPA doesn't want one year of players taking the whole hit.
Another component of the counterproposal focuses on paying players a "COVID-19 risk stipend" of up to $500,000 if games are canceled, Pelissero reported. The exact figure would depend on when cancellations occur, among other factors, he added.
With Monday's call quickly approaching, Pelissero reported that the NFL and NFLPA are on the same page regarding not wanting the salary cap to plummet in 2021. He added that both sides are concerned about accounting for a multi-billion-dollar revenue loss due to the restrictions brought on by the pandemic.
