The NFLPA is looking into whether the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys colluded in the matter of the unsettled contracts of wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant, an NFLPA official told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Specifically, the players’ association believes the two teams were in communication about the the contracts for Thomas and Bryant, who were both franchised this offseason. The issue: If the Broncos and Cowboys had discussions about what they planned to offer Thomas and Bryant, respectively, it could lead to depressed wages for both. The collective bargaining agreement prohibits such contact between clubs.
The deadline for Thomas and Bryant to reach a long-term deal is Wednesday, July 15. If no deal is reached, the wide receivers will play on the $12.8 million franchise tag for the 2015 season.
Aside from the issues of collusion, Bryant has made it clear that he wants a long-term contract sooner than later, and has even hinted that he’d be willing to sit out. As we’ve written previously, NFL holdouts basically boil down to this: Are you a franchise quarterback? Yes? You have all the leverage and you will get paid. No? You have little-to-no leverage and you will have to show up to work. You can either do that now and avoid fines and lost salary, or later, with the promise of a smaller paycheck. ~ CBS SPORTS, Ryan Wilson
Charlie’s quick take…. if teams are willing to “collude” on #1 WRs, why not QBs…. perhaps this has a few drops of truth in the ongoing RW contract extension. If Seattle busts out a 25M a year deal, then this would leave the Colts having to pay Luck 25M+… which could end up being in the 27.5M range.. and then the Packers, would be forced to pay Rodgers 28M+ (or as much as 30M if they went hog wild). Even Uncle Rico would get paid handsomely, as a starting QB, in the NFL. So you see, this is an important story to keep your eye on moving forward……. 😀
