An arbitration ruling found no collusion among NFL clubs to restrict guaranteed player contracts, despite evidence suggesting league management encouraged teams to reduce guarantees in 2022, following the precedent set by Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed deal. The decision clarified that while concerted action was contemplated and invited, no damages were awarded, and league officials denied any wrongdoing.
An NFL arbitration ruling revealed that the league encouraged teams to collude to reduce veteran contract guarantees, but the arbitrator found insufficient evidence that teams acted on this encouragement, despite widespread perception of collusion and league efforts to keep the ruling secret.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has stated that he does not believe in fully guaranteed contracts for NFL players, citing the negative impact it has had on competitive balance in the NBA and MLB. While some quarterbacks have been able to secure fully guaranteed deals, Irsay believes that exceptions should not become the norm and that guaranteed contracts do not make the game better. This comes as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reportedly wants a fully guaranteed contract that surpasses the $230 million deal signed by Deshaun Watson with the Cleveland Browns.
