Stefon Diggs, Other NFL Stars Come Out Against Proposed CBA

Diggs is among several players, including Aaron Rodgers, to express their dislike of the proposed deal, which features a 17-game regular season.

There's a cloud hanging over the 2020 NFL Combine.

That cloud is the new proposed collective bargaining agreement, which has become a divisive issue as it moves through the various steps in the approval process. The uncertainty surrounding the proposed deal has also stalled things like contract discussions and franchise tag decisions, as teams wait to see what happens – and the subsequent rule changes that will take place – before making major moves.

The CBA, which is notable for adding a 17th game to the regular season, is the product of many months of negotiations between the NFL and the players. It was approved by the owners last week, and NFLPA representatives from all 32 teams voted 17-14 in favor of it on Wednesday (with one rep abstaining). Now, it heads to all of the league's roughly 2,000 players, where a majority vote would see it go into effect this year. That vote likely won't happen for a few weeks, according to reports.

If that were to happen, the NFL and its players would have guaranteed labor peace through 2030. The 17-game schedule wouldn't begin until 2021 at the earliest.

However, despite the increasing likelihood that this deal gets done, there are many players who have been vocal in their disapproval of this new CBA. Count Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs among them, based on this tweet from Wednesday.

I VOTE NO...

— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) February 26, 2020

Several other star players, including JJ Watt, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson, have similarly come out against the CBA.

Hard no on that proposed CBA.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 21, 2020

Rodgers, who is the Packers' NFLPA rep, posted a lengthy statement regarding his decision to vote against the deal, citing the added risks that come with a 17th game.

My thoughts. # pic.twitter.com/VOmCSNiI4f

— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) February 26, 2020

Sherman, the 49ers' rep and a vice president on the NFLPA Executive Committee, expressed the same sentiments that Rodgers did in his statement.

Health and Wellness of our men is always the most important aspect. There is no price you can put on that and that is why I Voted No. I respect the Men that have been part of this discussion and stood up for their locker rooms. https://t.co/mL0Yj3E6d9

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 26, 2020

Wilson made it clear that he thinks this deal is rushed and would have negative repercussions for players over the next decade.

The @NBA & @MLB are doing it right.
Players come first.

ALL @NFL players deserve the same.

WE should not rush the next 10 YEARS for Today’s satisfaction.

I VOTE NO.

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 26, 2020

The Vikings' NFLPA rep is Adam Thielen, who has remained silent on social media about the issue. This remains an ongoing story and will continue to be a major talking point for the foreseeable future.