NFL, NFLRA Reach Seven-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
May 8, 2026 > The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have reached a seven-year collective bargaining agreement that will run through the 2032 NFL season. The current deal was scheduled to expire on May 31.
“This agreement is a testament to the joint commitment of the league and union to invest in and improve officiating,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. “It also speaks to the game officials’ relentless pursuit of improvement and officiating excellence. We look forward to working together for the betterment of the game.”
The deal covers a wide range of issues including economics, performance, and accountability, all with the shared goal of ensuring the outstanding officiating that the game demands.
“It was a mutual and determined effort, and the outcome is seven years of certainty for the league and the officials,” said NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green. “We appreciate Troy Vincent and Larry Ferazani and their staff for recognizing that working together to find solutions is the best course of action to reach a long-term agreement.”
NFLRA President Carl Cheffers added:
“We see this new CBA as a partnership with the league that benefits our membership but also seeks to make our game better. It is good to get these negotiations behind us so we can focus on preparing for the 2026 season.”
The agreement was approved by the NFLRA Board of Directors and ratified by a vote of the NFLRA membership.
NFL transactions for Wednesday, May 13
WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS
WAIVER REQUESTS (All are NO RECALL)
GREEN BAY Ester, James DT Northern Illinois (0)* PS: STND
HOUSTON Thomas, Xavier LB Clemson (2)* PS: EXC Injured
NEW YORK JETS Smith, Christopher DB Georgia (3)* PS: VET From Reserve/Injured Injury Settlement
CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Thursday, 5/14/26
ASSIGNMENT VIA WAIVER SYSTEM
GREEN BAY Rice, Brenden WR Southern California From LAS VEGAS
TERMINATIONS VIA WAIVER SYSTEM
BUFFALO Trujillo, Maddux K Temple (0)*
DENVER Vaughn, Deuce RB Kansas State (2)* Wright, William DB Tennessee (0)*
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS King, Niles DE San Diego State (0)* McLachlan, Tanner TE Arizona (1)* Yassmin, Thomas TE Utah (0)*
PITTSBURGH
Trice, Cory DB Purdue (3)*
*Indicates player's accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.
ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS
FREE AGENT SIGNING
PITTSBURGH Paige, Makari DB Michigan
SELECTION LIST SIGNINGS
CINCINNATI Davis, Tacario DB Washington (3-72)*
HOUSTON Bond, Lewis WR Boston College (6-204)* Ramsey, Kamari DB Southern California (5-141)* Woodaz, Wade LB Clemson (4-123)*
NEW YORK GIANTS Hood, Colton DB Tennessee (2-37)*
SEATTLE Clark, Bud DB Texas Christian (2-64)*
*Round and Overall Selection Number in 2026 Draft.
RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS Wilson, Jerry DB Florida State Reserve/Injured from Waived/Injured; Does Not Count Against 90 Limit
NEW ORLEANS
Saldiveri, Nick G Old Dominion Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform from Waived/Failed Physical; Does Not Count Against 90 Limit