The new CBA

[Luzinski's Gut]

There's been an interesting development with the new CBA which is not getting the amount of attention that it deserves.

The rookie salary structure is going to get changed in a major way. You aren't going to see top 10 picks get massive intitial deals like you have in the past.

One of the rumors floating around right now concerns underclassmen. I was listening to a couple of dudes on Fox Sports Radio last week talk about Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate at Notre Dame. He said both are locks to come out because they will still fall under the old CBA, and it's going to be the last time to get paid in a major way. He also said to look for a major flood of underclassment to come out this year because of the CBA situation.

I don't know what our draft situation looks like for next year in terms of picks, but it looks like there might be a once in a lifetime flood of talent into the NFL next season from the underclassmen ranks.

Something to keep in mind over the next few months.

[leifdawg]

Interesting. And I'm glad they're finally taking a look at this.

[sfphillyfan]

This would go a long way towards fixing the NFL. I'm all for a rookie structure similar to the NBA. (It's about the only thing the NBA does right.)

It's insane that Jamarcus Russell will make more money guaranteed for sucking than someone like Chad Pennington for actually having done something in the NFL.

[MDFAN]

While I fully agree with the theory... I wouldn't claim that anybody knows who this thing is going to play out. Making moves based on what you "think" is going to happen might or might not work out. Both sides have to agree and as far as I know no yalks have been going on about anything in detailed way to lead anybody to any "conclusions". Just Sayin.

[fly]

I would think if this actually happened, it would get major attention. I would be surprised if the union conceded quickly on this point though...while I can't imagine they they really care all that much about rookie pay (in comparison to vets), it's definitely an asset in their pocket that they can "trade" for something that does matter to them.

[MDFAN]

I would think if this actually happened, it would get major attention. I would be surprised if the union conceded quickly on this point though...while I can't imagine they they really care all that much about rookie pay (in comparison to vets), it's definitely an asset in their pocket that they can "trade" for something that does matter to them.

Zacktly... it's a trading chip.

[NoDakIggle]

Andrew Brandt has written about this before. There is definitely an opinion that there will be some type of change to the rookie salaries. Of course nothing is even being negotiated yet but the belief is that the league can't sustain the escalation and some vet players definitely don't like seeing young guys surpass them. Of course, there are top line vet players who don't mind seeing the escalation of rookie salaries because it means a much bigger payday for them. I've read where they expect more underclassmen to come out but I haven't seen anything indicating a mad rush. More likely that those on the fence will fall into declaring for the draft.

[BIGPHILLY]

Good thread