The NFL is facing a new controversy over fully guaranteed contracts on the heels of a recent arbitration ruling, previously kept confidential by an agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. After being uncovered by investigative journalist Pablo Torre, this ruling has provided a rare glimpse into the league’s internal operations and raised concerns about transparency in NFL contract negotiations.

In August 2022, the NFL Management Council, the collective-bargaining representative for the 32 team owners, warned clubs at the annual NFL owners meeting that the proliferation of fully guaranteed contracts could set a difficult-to-reverse market standard and complicate roster management under the salary cap. Fully guaranteed contracts reduce financial flexibility, making it harder for teams to manage rosters effectively, especially if players underperform or suffer injuries.

Shortly afterward, the NFLPA accused the league of collusion, claiming that owners coordinated to suppress fully guaranteed deals, violating the collective-bargaining agreement. Specifically, the NFLPA alleged that........

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