(ESPN/AP) By a close vote, with some 500 union members not participating, NFL players approved a new labor agreement with the league. It features a 17-game regular season, number of play-off teams expands from 12 to 14, higher salaries, increased roster sizes and larger pensions for current and former players.
The deal, which runs through the 2030 season, was accepted by the 32 team owners last month. The NFL Players Association’s membership spent the last week voting on the 439-page document after its executive board narrowly rejected it by a 6-5 vote, and the player representatives voted 17-14 in favor, with one abstention.
After discussions with the union during the day, the NFL sent a memo to all teams Sunday night that the league will open the 2020 NFL business season on Wednesday, as scheduled, with free agency and trades.
The Chiefs have 27 players athat are either unrestricted free agents, Exclusive Rights free agents or have a club option for next season.
Among the unrestricted free agents
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, Cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller.
Running backs LeSean McCoy and Spencer Ware.
Fullback Anthony Sherman
Linebackers Reggie Ragland and Tyrell Suggs.
And Tightend Blake Bell.
There was no immediate word on timing and potential format changes for the draft, scheduled for Las Vegas from April 23-25, something that was also expected to be discussed by the NFL and NFLPA.
