the all encompassing 'discuss all things offseason' thread sponsored by Paintrain

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by donofriose

Just because they signed it, doesn't mean players wanted it or didn't get screwed. The NFL, more than any other league, bullies its players and its union into taking less money because they know lesser players will need a deal. Just like the concussion settlement. The NFL even found a way to make contracts not guaranteed. It is just smart business in the end on the NFL owner's part. It is why Roger gets paid so much.

Well yes, signing it does basically mean that they wanted to take the deal that their leadership presented to them, which includes the franchise tag designation. And they have kept it through several CBAs now. Truthfully, most players probably don't care about the franchise tag, given that out of about 2000 players a year, it at most affects 32.

I do think the players got screwed this last go around, but I mostly blame an NFLPA leadership that was intent on breaking the system all together through bad faith and court room tactics, rather than working together, so when they couldn't break it they had to concede.