Deadlines produce results. And that was once again the case Saturday as NFL players had until 11:59 PM ET to cast their votes on the Collective Bargaining Agreement proposal that owners previously approved themselves.
With the Dallas front office being in the epicenter of negotiation talks with Prescott, there was much dependent on the CBA vote.

On Sunday morning, reports flared that players approved the labor deal that will provide “peace” in the NFL through 2030. The vote was tight, with 1,019 “yes” votes and 959 “no” votes.

Sources to ESPN: NFL players voted to approve the proposed CBA, giving the NFL 10 more years of labor peace, players an increased share of revenue, former players added benefits, and the league 17-game regular seasons along with an expanded playoff field.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2020

Our statement on the CBA vote: pic.twitter.com/3pXydLLQ9c

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 15, 2020

Throughout the week there is surely additional information to be disclosed that will impact the Cowboys organization and the league as a whole. Such as their new agreement on handling drug policies — something that has kept Randy Gregory in NFL limbo throughout the majority of his career.

What has been perhaps the biggest negotiating point is the addition of a 17th game during the regular season. Many players have voiced their disdain for an extended regular season, but it appears the road has been paved for a 17-game regular season to become reality.

The new CBA will also expand the NFL’s playoff field by two teams starting with the 2020 season. In addition to the extra playoff team per conference, only the top overall seeds will earn a first-round bye.

Jerry Jones discussed earlier last week the immediate impact the Dallas Cowboys will feel if the deal is pushed through. At the time, Dallas had the ability to utilize the franchise and transition tags this offseason. With a new CBA in place, there is only one tag per team.

With a contract talks largely at an impasse with Dak Prescott’s camp, it becomes vitally important Dallas works out a long-term extension with Amari Cooper to free the tag for Prescott to restrict him from hitting the open market.

The deadline to use the tag is Monday at 11:59:59 a.m ET.

The NFL Management Council just informed team officials the salary cap will be $198.2 million per club in 2020, per sources.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2020