NFL Wins Appeal Over NFLPA Collusion Claim on Guaranteed Contracts

Three-year legal battle over Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson deals ends in league's favor

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes representing a football game or contract negotiation, using bold colors like navy, green, and orange to convey the complex dynamics between the NFL and NFLPA.The NFL's victory in the long-running legal battle over guaranteed contracts highlights the ongoing tensions between the league and its players' union.Las Vegas Today

An appeals panel has dismissed the NFLPA's collusion grievance against the NFL, ruling in favor of the league and closing out a legal fight that lasted more than three years. The panel found insufficient evidence that NFL clubs coordinated to limit fully guaranteed contracts, despite the league encouraging owners to reduce salary guarantees.

Why it matters

The case centered on allegations that the NFL suppressed guaranteed deals after the Cleveland Browns signed Deshaun Watson to a record-setting $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The NFLPA argued this impacted negotiations for players like Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson, whose contracts fell short of the Watson deal.

The details

The appeals panel upheld an earlier arbitrator's dismissal of the NFLPA's grievance, agreeing that while the NFL Management Council encouraged owners to reduce guarantees, there was no proof of actual coordination among clubs. However, the panel did criticize the league, stating: 'We cannot fathom these sophisticated businesspeople did not comprehend they were being encouraged to limit or reduce guaranteed contracts.'

  • The NFLPA filed the collusion grievance in 2022 after the Watson deal.
  • Arbitrator Christopher F. Droney dismissed the grievance in January 2025.
  • The NFLPA appealed the dismissal, leading to the three-member panel's ruling on April 11, 2026.

The players

DeMaurice Smith

Former NFLPA executive director who initiated the collusion grievance.

Lamar Jackson

NFL quarterback whose contract negotiations were affected, according to the NFLPA.

Russell Wilson

NFL quarterback whose contract negotiations were affected, according to the NFLPA.

Kyler Murray

NFL quarterback whose contract negotiations were affected, according to the NFLPA.

Deshaun Watson

NFL quarterback who signed a record-setting $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns, sparking the NFLPA's allegations.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the NFL and NFLPA over player contract structures and the league's influence on owner decision-making. While the NFL prevailed, the panel's criticism of the league's actions suggests the fight over guaranteed money in player contracts is far from over.