NFL to Hire Replacement Officials Amid Unresolved CBA Talks

The league will begin recruiting and training replacement officials within the next several weeks as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) have stalled. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 31, and while the NFL has raised its offer to a 6.45% annual growth rate over six years, the NFLRA demands 10% plus $2.5 million for marketing fees.

In addition to the new contract, the NFL is proposing a contingency plan that would allow the replay center in New York to advise on missed penalties and potential ejections, a measure owners will vote on this week. The league cites past errors with replacement officials in 2012, including the disputed “Fail Mary” touchdown, as a reason for the move.