NFL Owners Meetings Wrap-Up: 4 Key Takeaways

The NFL owners convened in Phoenix this week, addressing critical issues ranging from potential officiating disruptions to player contract negotiations and strategic team adjustments. Here's a breakdown of the four most significant takeaways from the meetings.

Potential for Replacement Referees Looms

Addressing a Possible Lockout

Rule changes were a central focus, with the approval of a one-year rule allowing officials to correct “clear and obvious mistakes.” This decision comes as the league anticipates a potential referee lockout. The NFL is proactively preparing for the possibility of using replacement referees, remembering the significant issues experienced during the 2012 work stoppage.

Wide Receiver Contract Landscape

Puka Nacua's Situation with the Rams

Wide receivers dominated much of the discussion. Rams receiver Puka Nacua is eligible for a new contract and could command a deal similar to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s four-year, $168.6 million extension. However, Rams General Manager Les Snead noted that Nacua’s off-field conduct, including recent rehab enrollment, will be a factor in contract negotiations. Snead stated, “The impact is continuing to evolve…you need to be on your P’s and Q’s in both categories to earn that type of contract.”

Dallas Cowboys and George Pickens

George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys has proven capable of being a top receiver, especially during CeeDee Lamb’s injuries. This performance should increase the urgency for the Cowboys to secure a long-term deal, avoiding the use of the franchise tag. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated he hasn’t recently been in contact with Pickens’ agent, who has a history of encouraging franchise-tagged players to hold out. Jones emphasized the franchise tag’s importance to the Cowboys’ strategy for retaining key players.

A.J. Brown's Potential Trade

The Philadelphia Eagles appeared to be positioning themselves for a potential trade involving A.J. Brown. While both General Manager Howie Roseman and Coach Nick Sirianni affirmed Brown’s current status as an Eagle, they didn’t commit to his presence on the roster for Week 1. New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel expressed interest in Brown, and a trade is likely after June 1 due to salary cap considerations.

Raiders Trade and Medical Evaluations

Maxx Crosby Trade Rescinded

The trade of Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens was rescinded due to a failed physical related to his surgically repaired left knee. The Ravens traded two first-round picks for Crosby, but backed out after the physical. Rams General Manager Les Snead advocated for a more proactive and collaborative medical evaluation process before trade announcements, suggesting teams share medical information beforehand.

Cowboys Defensive Strategy Shift

New Defensive Coordinator and Scheme

The Dallas Cowboys are aiming to improve their defense, which allowed a league-high 30 points per game and 252 passing yards per contest. They’ve replaced Matt Eberflus with Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, seeking more pre-snap disguise and versatility. The Cowboys have added several new players to the secondary, including Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, and Cobie Durant, and plan to utilize six defensive backs more frequently.