NFL | Free agency will not be delayed

[Smizzy]

NFL | Free agency will not be delayed

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:32:19 -0800

Todd Archer, of the Dallas Morning News, reports NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said the free agency period will not be delayed a month, as previously reported. The free agency period will open March 3, even if there isn't a new collective bargaining agreement

.

[Maxman]

I don't see how they could have free agency without a new CBA.

[Sperm Edwards]

2006 could be a sucky year to be a FA trying to cash-in on a standout 2005 season. A bunch of guys might want to sign 1-year deals & wait for the cap to go away. In a strange sense, getting tagged this year might not be so bad for someone like Abraham. With no CBA, we could have a lot of trouble trading him.

Can't get a big SB/heavily backloaded deal after March 3.

Few teams can give a contract (fewer still could do more than one) with a big bonus AND a non-minimum salary all in year one & still stay under the 2006 cap.

[Rob D]

2006 could be a sucky year to be a FA trying to cash-in on a standout 2005 season. A bunch of guys might want to sign 1-year deals & wait for the cap to go away. In a strange sense, getting tagged this year might not be so bad for someone like Abraham. With no CBA, we could have a lot of trouble trading him.

Also, if 2007 is an uncapped year then a player must have 6 years of NFL experience to become a free agent. That's not a problem for John Abraham, but it will be for a lot of younger players.

I believe the NFLPA will be shooting themselves in the foot if they don't get a new CBA signed. Sure, some teams (ie. Redskins) will spend silly money on players, but many owners will suddenly become as cheap as possible.