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Fitz is in favor of new CBA deal
Dolphins quarterback says revenue sharing is why he agrees with
Many outspoken NFL players like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and J.J. Watt are encouraging others to vote against the new proposed collective bargaining agreement.
But Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick says he is in favor of the new deal, which NFL players are voting on this week and could ratify with a majority vote when voting ends Thursday.
Among the most notable changes: The NFL will play another regular-season game, increasing the total to 17; two additional teams will be eligible for the playoffs, increasing the number to 14; players would receive an increase from 47% to 48% of revenue sharing from the league.
Those are also points of contention for many NFL players, who have concerns about extending the season.
“There were a ton of different things that we said we wanted to be addressed,” Fitzpatrick said in a video circulating on social media Friday. “The increased benefits for current players, increased benefits for past players. I think the vast majority of those were hit and addressed in the CBA.
“I think the most important part of the CBA, though, comes down to revenue sharing, and for us as players, revenue sharing, getting a larger percentage of the pie is important, but also the overall growth of that pie is important and those two things both happen if we sign the CBA.
“I think the fact that in signing this CBA and voting yes shows solidarity with owners and players. I think that’s important. I think it also shows the stability and strength of our league. As we go into negotiate these new sponsorship deals and TV deals, solidarity and strength and stability are things that are going to be on our side. They’re going to help us increase the overall worth of that pie and it’s a win-win for players and owners in that regard.”
Fitzpatrick said he spoke to a number of people regarding the new CBA, including players on both sides of the spectrum in regards to voting for the new deal, people in the negotiating room, NFLPA leadership, agents and former general managers to make an informed decision.
But many players disagree with the finer details of the new agreement and are encouraging others to band together and vote against it.
Former Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills and former Florida Gators lineman Maurkice Pouncey are among players who are setting aside some of their own money to help players in the event the league suffers a lockout season as a result of the negotiations.
“Players, we gotta vote no on this deal,” Stills said on social media this week.
“There are so many things we want and continue to ask for, and they should be non-negotiables. When we have power and leverage, saying we won’t play for a season, or say we have enough money to sit out for a season, we can bring the [NFL] owners to the table to negotiate a new deal that’s friendly for us …
“There’s no league without the players,” Stills continued. “So, we’ve got to stand up for ourselves. We’ve got to exert some power. We’ve got to go out and get the things that we say that we want and need, and this is our opportunity.”