PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Players, League Extend Labor Deal

The NFL, beset by franchise turmoil this season, got some good news Tuesday when the players’ union agreed to a contract extension that could ensure labor-management peace through the 2002 season.

The agreement was announced jointly by the league and the players’ union.

It adds one year to the current contract, which ends after the 1999 season, with the option for two more.

“We have a window of labor-management peace and a [collective-bargaining agreement] that works well for both sides,” said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Assn.

“It makes sense to extend the agreement. The fans, the players and the clubs want to see the games on the field, not in the courtroom or on the picket line. This extension should create more stability for the franchises, something everyone wants.”

The agreement must be ratified by the owners, who will vote on it Jan. 17 in a meeting in which they will also decide on the Cleveland Browns’ relocation. A majority of voting union members must approve the contract.

Among the agreements was the addition of a cap for ‘99, an uncapped year in the first deal.

In return, the players get the years required for free agency reduced for that year from six to four, which is the free agency period in use in capped seasons.

In addition, the cap for 1996 was increased an additional $700,000 per team.

The final option year, 2002, will be uncapped, with the six-year requirement for free agency again in effect.