Union tight-lipped on CBA negotiations
While union leaders acknowledged they are in talks with the league about a new labor agreement, they weren’t interested in providing much more information about those negotiations.
Instead, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and his executive committee members were forthcoming on several other topics such as changes in the league’s drug policy regarding marijuana use for medical purposes. And about the Rooney Rule
Notebook
not achieving its goals in minority coaching hires.
But there was a modicum of information on the collective bargaining agreement talk, mostly in relation to a 17-game regular season.
“There are 2,000 players with 2,000 opinions on that,” outgoing union president Eric Winston said. “We have 10 men on our executive committee who have 10 opinions.”
Winston, who has retired after 12 seasons, admitted the 17 games is one of many negotiating points as the league and union seek a new deal more than a year before the 10-year current CBA expires. Another could be additional roster spots per team in exchange for a longer season.
Smith was far less forthcoming Thursday than was NFL commissioner Roger Goodell the previous day. Goodell said the two parties “have been having incredibly productive dialogue” over the past seven to eight months.
Panthers
Greg Olsen’s playing days with Carolina are over.
The 34-year-old tight end announced on Twitter Thursday that he’ll be leaving the team, calling it a mutual decision with general manager Marty Hurney.
Olsen has one year remaining on his contract and would cost $11.675 million against the salary cap in 2020. If the Panthers release him, they’re on the hook for $3.7 million in dead cap money. If he retires, the team could recoup it.
“The team and I are both on the same page that it is best we go in different directions for now,” Olsen said.
Olsen could try to continue playing or venture into broadcasting, something he has dabbled in successfully.
Elsewhere
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has formed Hall of Fame Health to pursue healthcare for former players. The program was announced Thursday. It will seek to develop services that will make an impact not only in the health and wellness of former players, but in communities as well.