An independent arbitrator concluded that the NFL had encouraged teams to engage in tactics aimed at reducing payroll guarantees in player contracts.
In his 2022 ruling, the arbitrator noted that there was “least doubt” regarding the NFL Management Council’s encouragement, with both Roger Goodell’s awareness and approval, to act in “conspiracy” by limiting guarantees in contracts.
However, the arbitrator, Christopher Drony, found no evidence of actual collusion among the teams.
“There is little question that the NFL Management Council, with the blessing of the Commissioner, encouraged 32 NFL clubs to lower veteran contract guarantees during their annual owners meeting in March 2022,” sports reporter Pablo Torre highlighted in his remarks.
“Yet, the evidence did not clearly show that any team had agreed to or participated in this plan. His connection to the situation was strictly from the owner’s meeting, and the expert testimony regarding average changes across various metrics like spending and guarantees just didn’t meet the demands of the NFL Players Association.”
These findings emerged from a lawsuit filed against the league by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) in 2022, claiming that the NFL violated a collective bargaining agreement by preventing players from offering each other fully guaranteed contracts following a prominent $230 million deal.
Unlike Major League Baseball, where fully guaranteed contracts are common, the NFL has not adopted this practice historically. It’s reasonable to consider that if another team were to make deals similar to the one the Browns gave Watson, the league would pay attention. However, pushing for collusion among teams would clearly breach the collective bargaining agreement.
A source shared with Torre that this revelation regarding the league’s conduct is regarded as the “Holy Grail” for the NFLPA.
“It’s like the union’s dream come true, providing on page 61 disturbing details about how the league operates. Independent Judicial Arbitrator. This is news that people should raise alarms about.”
The NFLPA lawsuit highlighted contracts related to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, former Broncos QB Russell Wilson, and Cardinals QB Kyler Murray.
“The NFLPA argues based on the premise that after Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson signed his fully guaranteed contract last March, another quarterback or significant player followed suit with a similar agreement.” According to legal counsel Jeff Pash, the league’s EVP, “The NFLPA is determined on this point.” It was hoped that fully guaranteed contracts would become standard practice in player negotiations across the league.”
Pash stated, “We don’t recognize any evidence supporting these conspiracy allegations.”
Drony’s findings have remained confidential since January, with both the NFL and NFLPA opting not to release them publicly.
While he found some indication that the league encouraged conspiratorial actions, Drony ultimately did not nullify any player contracts.
“The NFL Management Council did prompt the 32 member clubs to curtail guarantees on future contracts at the owners’ meeting in March 2022,” Drony wrote.
“Thus, we are dismissing the NFLPA’s arbitration request.”
