NFL and NFLPA to Have a Meeting on Monday to Discuss Return to Play

With a return to play for the NFL still uncertain, the NFL will have a meeting with the NFLPA to discuss a potential return to play.

The 2 sides will discuss various topics about the return during the meeting. According to ESPN the sides will be working on these topics:

• Acclimation period: Players want a slow ramp-up, from working out to taking the practice field, to avoid injuries and to get comfortable in the new working environment.

• Opt-out clauses for players: What happens to a player’s contract if he decides to sit due to COVID-19 concerns, and does he get an accrued season?

• Whether trimming the 90-man training camp rosters to avoid unnecessary contact is the right thing.

• Equipment modifications: Players are lukewarm about wearing masks over their helmet bars, while the NFL has been working with Oakley on a yet-to-be-revealed design.

• Economics: How to share lost revenue, with players knowing they have to take a loss somewhere to offset the lack of fans in the stands, but with the league’s offer to place 35% of salaries in escrow considered a non-starter.

Both sides are interested in playing the season, but it is still unsure if a preseason will happen.

A league source told ESPN that the goal for the season is to “get the 16 games on TV”. The goal of getting all of the games on television is likely in order to make up for losses created by less or no fans in the stands and other uncertainties created by COVID_19.

The NFL regularly does not show all of the games on national television, rather a few a week and offers subscription plans to fans who desire to watch all of the games.