NFL Free Agency to Begin, Lockout is Finally Over After Four and a Half Month Work-Stop
NFL players have agreed to a deal that would end the four-and-a-half month lockout they have had with owners. The deal approves a new labor agreement that will ensure an end to the dispute between the two groups for the foreseeable future, according to NFL.com.
“This is a long time coming, and football’s back,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall. “And that’s great news for everybody.”
Of the NFL Players Association, 32 team representatives voted unanimously to approve the new deal. “We didn’t get everything that each side wanted but we did arrive at a deal that we think is fair and balanced,” said DeMaurice Smith, head of NFLPA.
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Owners were ready to come to an agreement last Thursday, but various requirements for players still had to be agreed, which prolonged the conclusion of the deal until this week.
Both sides committed to negotiations through the weekend, and wrapped up the final details Monday morning, creating a 10-year agreement without an opt-out clause, according to NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.
Owners opted out of the previous labor contract in 2008 which expired in March, sparking the lockout with the players. This created the first NFL work stoppage since 1987.
“I know it’s been a very long process since the day we stood here that night in March,” said Smith. “But our guys stood together when nobody thought they would. And football is back because of it.”
According to NFL. com the free agent list will be published at 6pm E.T. on Monday.
The Waiver period begins on Thursday and teams can start terminating contracts at 4:01pm E.T.
On Friday free agency begins at 6pm E.T. which will allow teams to begin signing free agents who previously played with other teams.
By the end of the week, training camps be commenced by 30 teams, with two other teams opening camps Sunday.
The relief for football fans can be felt across the nation; football is back!
