Another round of CBA negotiation-related meetings has kicked off as the NFL’s owners voted to approve terms of the latest proposal to discuss the state of negotiations. On Friday, the NFL Players Association, its executive committee members and the 32 player reps are scheduled to hold a conference call and weigh whether to hold a vote on the terms.

Here’s what we know so far based on talks with people familiar with the deliberations, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negations:

What’s the deadline for the finalization of the new CBA agreement? While the new CBA must be in place before the start of the 2021 season to avoid a work stoppage, there’s no hard deadline set. However, the owners would like to reach an agreement with the players by the start of the next league year (March 18). Not only would that ensure the avoidance of a work stoppage, but it also gives the NFL more leverage to negotiate more lucrative broadcast deals, which translates into increased revenue for all parties involved. The goal of NFLPA leadership is to significantly improve working conditions and get the most out of a new deal to benefit the most players. Based on how things are shaping up, it appears that both sides have a real chance of achieving both goals.

While the new CBA must be in place before the start of the 2021 season to avoid a work stoppage, there’s no hard deadline set. However, the owners would like to reach an agreement with the players by the start of the next league year (March 18). Not only would that ensure the avoidance of a work stoppage, but it also gives the NFL more leverage to negotiate more lucrative broadcast deals, which translates into increased revenue for all parties involved. The goal of NFLPA leadership is to significantly improve working conditions and get the most out of a new deal to benefit the most players. Based on how things are shaping up, it appears that both sides have a real chance of achieving both goals. Are the two sides as close as they seem? It’s getting there. Both sides have either reached points of comfort or are within striking distance of agreements on a number of the key aspects of the new CBA. There’s still some ground to make up on several sticking points. But, there’s a strong sense of optimism from the owners’ side that a deal will soon be reached. The players’ side features a more guarded sense of optimism.

It’s getting there. Both sides have either reached points of comfort or are within striking distance of agreements on a number of the key aspects of the new CBA. There’s still some ground to make up on several sticking points. But, there’s a strong sense of optimism from the owners’ side that a deal will soon be reached. The players’ side features a more guarded sense of optimism. What changes are the sides already in agreement on? There’s going to be a 17-game season. The preseason is going to be shortened. The players’ portion of the revenue pie is going to jump by roughly 1.5 percent which, coupled with projected revenue growth, will translate to an increase of around $5 billion more for players over the life of the new 10-year CBA. That current fifth-year option setup in first-round draft picks’ contracts will change to make the fourth and fifth years fully guaranteed at the time of signing. The performance-based payouts will increase. Practice squad sizes will increase, as will the salaries of those players. Player benefit packages are going to expand dramatically, exceeding those of any other pro sports league. Teams will receive a salary cap exemption for two veteran players up to $2 million. The owners are going to relax the drug policy and the system for player discipline. Offseason workouts and training camp rules will limit the amount of hitting that teams will be able to require players to partake in. The postseason will expand from 12 to 14 teams with the top seed of each conference receiving a bye.

There’s going to be a 17-game season. The preseason is going to be shortened. The players’ portion of the revenue pie is going to jump by roughly 1.5 percent which, coupled with projected revenue growth, will translate to an increase of around $5 billion more for players over the life of the new 10-year CBA. That current fifth-year option setup in first-round draft picks’ contracts will change to make the fourth and fifth years fully guaranteed at the time of signing. The performance-based payouts will increase. Practice squad sizes will increase, as will the salaries of those players. Player benefit packages are going to expand dramatically, exceeding those of any other pro sports league. Teams will receive a salary cap exemption for two veteran players up to $2 million. The owners are going to relax the drug policy and the system for player discipline. Offseason workouts and training camp rules will limit the amount of hitting that teams will be able to require players to partake in. The postseason will expand from 12 to 14 teams with the top seed of each conference receiving a bye. What sticking points still need more work? The players still want additional increases to minimum salaries. They also want more physical contact restrictions and additional rest days built into the training camp schedules. This will help reduce wear and tear on the body, and also enable players additional time to spend with their families. The players want to get rid of the funding rule, which teams have used to try to avoid offering significant future guarantees. The owners do not want to eliminate the rule, but might make concessions. The NFLPA also wants some kind of bonus check for players already under contracts structured for 16 games to compensate for a 17th game.

The players still want additional increases to minimum salaries. They also want more physical contact restrictions and additional rest days built into the training camp schedules. This will help reduce wear and tear on the body, and also enable players additional time to spend with their families. The players want to get rid of the funding rule, which teams have used to try to avoid offering significant future guarantees. The owners do not want to eliminate the rule, but might make concessions. The NFLPA also wants some kind of bonus check for players already under contracts structured for 16 games to compensate for a 17th game. When will the regular season and playoff changes take place? The expanded playoff format would take effect in the 2020 season. Meanwhile, the earliest implementation of the 17-game regular season schedule would be 2021.

The expanded playoff format would take effect in the 2020 season. Meanwhile, the earliest implementation of the 17-game regular season schedule would be 2021. OK, no deadline. But what’s the earliest all this stuff could be hammered out? Realistically, the sides could reach an agreement by early next week if both of this week’s meetings draw positive votes from its members. At least 24 of the 32 owners must vote in approval of the new CBA. And at least two thirds of the 32 player reps, and then the majority of all players must give it a thumbs up. Then, pen will be put to paper. Although talks could always drag out further, it’s advantageous to finalize this ASAP because the franchise player and transition player tag figures will be determined on Feb. 25.

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