Trades and Free Agency Could Continue Despite Impending Lockout

With yet another snag in the current CBA negotiations and an NFL lockout on the horizon, much attention has been focused on the NFL Draft as the only refuge and source of action this off-season. The impending lockout has put more emphasis and pressure on GM’s to recruit talent and to draft more based on need because of free agency being put on hold for the significant future. This has been most taxing on the multiple teams that need to address the quarterback position, and as a result, has drawn significant attention to an otherwise weak quarterback class.

Well, have no fear, because it appears that there is still a glimmer of hope that free agency and the trade market may just be permitted after all. According to Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, citing sources close to the labor negotiations, it appears that trades and free agency could be allowed as early as late April, despite having no new collective bargaining agreement. If the NFL Players Association “Decertifies”, which is almost certain at this point, and the owners institute a lockout, the Players Association will seek an injunction that would allow the 2011 off-season to continue on as scheduled, with both free agency and trading being permitted. This injunction would be brought to Judge David S. Doty, who has weighed heavily toward pro-labor during his tenure. The NFL owners would almost certainly appeal the decision, but the appeal process could take some time, and free agency and trading might still be permitted while the process takes its course.

This could completely shake up the NFL Draft, as it would now allow teams to address their needs on the peripheral, and not solely through the draft. Much discussed players such as Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb, and possible free agents such as D’Angelo Williams and Mark Bulger could fill several voids throughout the league, completely altering the landscape of teams’ draftboards, and subsequently, a multitude of mock drafts. More importantly, this would open up opportunities for prospects to fall to other teams that may have otherwise been drafted already. The next month or so should be very exciting to follow, so be sure to stay tuned to realtalkfantasysports.blogspot.com for the latest news, and updates as your source for the 2011 NFL Draft.

-Augie Tieri

Source: Sports Illustrated/Peter King