NFL Players Approved A New Collective Bargaining Agreement Through 2031



The NFLPA announced it was approved by a final vote of 1,019-959. The deal goes through the spring of 2031.

​”We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify the proposed new CBA, which will provide substantial benefits to all current and retired players, increase jobs, ensure continued progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of the Management Council Executive Committee and the NFLPA leadership, both of whom devoted nearly a year to detailed, good faith negotiations to reach this comprehensive, transformative agreement.”

There will be some significant changes including a 17 game schedule starting in 2021, and an extra playoff game in each conference beginning as early as this season. Only the top seed will earn a first round bye going forward.

This will also open up an opportunity for the Patriots to negotiate a last minute deal before free agency begins.