New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NOLA.com NFL, players reach agreement on coronavirus-affected season; Saints to report to camp Tuesday

The NFL and the NFLPA reached an agreement regarding coronavirus-related financial issues Friday that ensured most NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints, will be able to bring their players into training camps beginning Tuesday.

"We have worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive set of protocols designed to minimize risk for fans, players and club and league personnel," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "These plans have been guided by the medical directors of the NFL and the NFLPA and have been reviewed and endorsed by independent medical and public health experts, including the CDC, and many state and local public health officials.

"The season will undoubtedly present new and additional challenges, but we are committed to playing a safe and complete 2020 season, culminating with the Super Bowl."

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.town...ze=1700%2C1022

The NFLPA executive committee, which includes Saints punter Thomas Morstead, Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins and former Saints tight end Ben Watson, voted unanimously to recommend the proposed changes. The NFLPA Board of Player Representatives voted to adopt the changes by a 29-3 vote. The Saints' player representative is linebacker Craig Robertson, and the first alternate is linebacker Demario Davis.

The league and its players' union agreed earlier this week when it comes to coronavirus testing and safety protocols. The issue at hand this go-round was financially-based.

Because the league is at risk of losing a substantial chunk of revenue this season because of the coronavirus pandemic, there's fear that the salary cap will go down next year. The two sides agreed to keep the salary cap for 2020 the same at $198.2 million and to set a floor of $175 million for the cap in 2021. Though, the salary cap could be higher for 2021 if the revenue loss for the NFL is not as drastic as originally projected.

Because the league and the players' union agreed on the $175 million figure for 2021, that means the salary cap losses will be spread out through 2023 — rather than potentially having a devastatingly low cap next season — something that would greatly affect the Saints and the potential new contracts (with the Saints or elsewhere) for 2021 free agent players like running back Alvin Kamara, linebacker Demario Davis, safety Marcus Williams and quarterback Jameis Winston.

more