As NFL free agency gets underway on Monday, the league reportedly has a developing problem with its officiating crews.
NFL free agency officially got underway at noon E.T. on Monday, March 9. Alec Pierce has already re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts for more than $100 million, while the Cowboys have made a trade for Rashan Gary and the Jets have made a move for defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
But as the NFL offseason pushes forward, the league reportedly has an ongoing problem with its officiating crews.
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According to longtime ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the league's ongoing CBA discussions with the officiating association are not in a good place.
It could get dicey.
"The NFL held committee meetings last week in Palm Beach and owners were updated on the status of talks with the NFL Referees Association on a new deal to replace the agreement expiring in May - and talks are said to not be in a good place, per sources. One source said “frustration is mounting” on the NFL side and among owners," he reported on Monday.
"The league has said in the past that it is is focused on changes that it believes will improve the performance of the on-field officials while the union wants to preserve the status quo or roll back in some cases the access the league has to work with the officials."
A lot of changes could be coming to NFL officiating as a result, including centralizing more of the officiating process in New York City.
