NFLPA Appeals Collusion Ruling: What’s at Stake for Quarterbacks?

By Jason Bolton July 13, 2025 22:41

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has officially filed an appeal challenging the January 2025 arbitration ruling that found no sufficient evidence of collusion by NFL owners in quarterback contract negotiations. This decision, announced nearly six months after the ruling was issued, has reignited a contentious debate over player rights, contract guarantees, and the union’s leadership, with significant implications for NFL quarterbacks and the league’s labor landscape.

Background: The Collusion Case and Ruling

The collusion grievance centered on whether NFL owners conspired to suppress guaranteed money in contracts for high-profile quarterbacks following the Cleveland Browns’ landmark $230 million fully guaranteed deal with Deshaun Watson in March 2022. Quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, and Russell Wilson, all seeking new contracts around the same time, failed to secure similar guarantees. Arbitrator Christopher Droney’s 61-page ruling, kept under wraps due to a confidentiality agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, concluded there was no collusion but revealed that league executives, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, “urged” teams to limit guarantees in player contracts .

The secrecy surrounding the ruling frustrated many players, who were kept in the dark about the details. NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell briefed only a small executive committee without sharing the full findings, prompting criticism from players and legal experts alike. Attorney Peter Ginsberg commented, “By agreeing to a confidentiality agreement, the union purposefully blocked the players from receiving crucial information about the operations of the NFL”.

Why the Appeal Matters

The NFLPA’s decision to appeal despite missing the usual 10-day deadline outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was made possible by the terms of the confidentiality agreement, which effectively paused the appeal timeline until the ruling’s public disclosure. A senior NFLPA source told ESPN, “The appeal is a reflection of our obligation to enforce the CBA and our commitment to protecting our players’ interests. We’ll do what’s best for players and we’ll exhaust our options in doing so”.

For quarterbacks, the stakes are high. Guaranteed money in contracts is a critical safeguard against injury and performance decline, especially at the game’s most demanding position. The ruling’s finding that owners “urged” a reduction in guarantees, even without formal collusion, suggests a coordinated effort that could suppress quarterback earnings and contract security moving forward. An appeal could potentially force the league to revisit these practices and restore stronger protections for players.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

The timing and handling of the collusion case have intensified scrutiny on Lloyd Howell’s leadership. Since taking over as NFLPA executive director in June 2023, Howell has faced multiple controversies, including an FBI investigation into the union’s financial dealings with OneTeam Partners, a licensing firm co-founded by the NFLPA. The union recently hired attorney Ronald C. Machen to review Howell’s actions amid growing unrest among players.

What’s Next?

The appeal will be heard by a three-member panel as stipulated by the CBA. Neither the NFL nor the NFLPA has provided a timeline for a decision. Meanwhile, the full text of Droney’s ruling remains unpublished, though investigative reporting has exposed key excerpts.

For quarterbacks, the outcome could redefine contract negotiations and player leverage in the NFL. As one league insider put it, “This isn’t just about a legal technicality it’s about ensuring players receive fair compensation and protections in a league where their careers are inherently precarious.”

The NFLPA’s appeal signals a renewed fight for quarterback rights and transparency, making this one of the most consequential labor disputes in recent NFL history. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as the union seeks to hold the league accountable and protect the futures of its most valuable stars.