Players and owners have reportedly been making progress on a new CBA. ESPN outlined some of the key points. They include a full season slate of Thursday night games. More days of NFL football each week are always good in my book. Read the key points under the jump per ESPN.
• Players get 48 percent of "all revenue," without extra $1-billion-plus off top that previously had been requested by owners.
• Players' share will never dip below 46.5 percent, under new formula being negotiated.
• Teams required to spend minimum 90-93 percent of the salary cap.
• Rookie wage scale part of deal but still being "tweaked."
• Four years needed for unrestricted free-agent status. Certain tags will be retained, but still being discussed.
• 18-game regular season designated only as negotiable item and at no point is mandated in deal.
• New 16-game Thursday night TV package beginning in 2012.
• Owners still will get some expense credits that will allow funding for new stadiums.
• Retirees to benefit from improved health care, pension benefits as revenue projected to double to $18 million by 2016.