Former NFLer Sean Gilbert this morning outlined an ambitious agenda as part of his campaign for NFLPA Exec Dir, including agreeing to an 18-game regular season, while at the same time ripping apart the current CBA and shifting resources back to the players. Gilbert is running against incumbent DeMaurice Smith, who has held the job since '09 and negotiated the current CBA in '11. Smith is up for re-election in March. The CBA shifted revenues to the owners, while at the same time improving player health and safety measures. The deal runs through the '20 season and has no opt outs. Gilbert is claiming the owners colluded, which would trigger a provision re-opening the deal. That of course has to be proven, and the NFLPA is arguing the collusion issue before a federal court, though it involves actions prior to the current CBA. Gilbert told reporters on a call this morning he has proof of collusion since the '11 deal occurred. Gilbert is calling for three-year rookie contracts (down from the current four, with a fifth-year club option for first-round picks), increased roster sizes, eliminating revenue credits that reduce the salary cap, and players getting a greater share of revenues. Notably he calls for an 18-game regular season as a carrot necessary to get the owners to cede givebacks to the players. There are no other announced candidates for the NFLPA position. The winner needs the vote of at least 17 team player reps at the union's annual meeting.
