The league and union agreed to amend the CBA. Here’s what it means for the Dolphins
The NFL and the players union have agreed to amend the CBA that “broadly resolves all outstanding issues” caused by the coronavirus, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Friday.
That means many things. The most important:
▪ The only thing that can derail the football season now is the pandemic.
▪ And Dolphins players will practice for the first time in 2020 on Aug. 12, and put on the pads five days later.
The league and the NFLPA agreed on several other major issues in the amended CBA (including the dissolution of the preseason this year); all the details were not immediately available.
What is known: Players overwhelmingly accepted the owners’ proposal Friday.
“Our NFLPA Board of Representatives voted to adopt, by a count of 29-3, the proposed amendments to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement to protect our players’ health, safety and financial well-being,” the union said in a statement.
Added Goodell: “We have worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive set of protocols designed to minimize risk for fans, players, and club and league personnel. These plans have been guided by the medical directors of the NFL and the NFLPA and have been reviewed and endorsed by independent medical and public health experts, including the CDC, and many state and local public health officials. The season will undoubtedly present new and additional challenges, but we are committed to playing a safe and complete 2020 season, culminating with the Super Bowl.”
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated’s MMQB was the first to report the league’s new training camp schedule.
The first four days (beginning Thursday) will be testing and virtual meetings. Players will take physicals on Aug. 1 and 2, and then eight days of strength and conditioning will follow. After that? Practice.
The Dolphins will get in four weeks of practice before opening the season in New England on Sept. 13.
ESPN reports that any financial losses from COVID-19 will be spread out over the next four seasons. The 2020 salary cap will remain at $198 million, and no matter the budget shortfall this season, the 2021 cap cannot go lower than $175 million.
There will also be stipends for players who opt-out this year over health concerns, NFL Network reports. Those who do will have their contract toll. Also, rosters must be cut to 80 players by Aug. 16.
Dolphins rookies began COVID-19 testing on Thursday. Those who twice have negative test results can report to the team facility Monday.
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 6:45 PM.
