A rookie wage scale is among the issues the NFL and the players' union are expected to discuss during labor negotiations this week. The NFL Players Association has presented a proposal that would include redirecting money paid to rookies into veterans' contracts instead. The union's plan would have a scale or cap for how much rookies would be paid, and the 32 teams would use the money saved from those contracts on established players. As much as $200 million could wind up in veterans' pockets. Source:Associated Press
i agree with bigsexy and f2m. and in answer to falcon's question ............... i'm not sure the owners will have to give up anything because a rookie cap is going to equal more money in the veteran's pockets and they are the ones that will be voting on it.
Probably shorter rookie deals (4 years instead of the 5-6 years), this way the good young players can cash in sooner, which is fair. I'd imagine that is what the union would be looking for in return. Maybe even look into changing the franchise tag, at least that's what I'd look for in return. I doubt they'll get guaranteed contracts but they may try that as well.
I think there should be a rookie cap but this idea by the union will not work. The owners want to cut cost and this seems like something that the players could use to add even more.