Practice squads, swing refs and skepticism: Will N...
Key takeaways
- It has been met with excitement from some league insiders, who have long advocated for what one called an injection of "NFL DNA" into the way officials are managed.
- Others are skeptical it will ever be implemented in the way it has been conceived, citing similar failures in the last CBA, signed in 2019.
- But after two years of negotiations, and increasingly public threats of a lockout and the use of replacement officials, the sides agreed to terms on the practice squad and several other adjustments.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
The NFL Referees Association ratified a seven-year collective bargaining agreement with the NFL on May 8. Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire Kevin Seifert Close Kevin Seifert ESPN Staff Writer Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.Follow on X and Kalyn KahlerCloseKalyn KahlerESPNKalyn Kahler is a senior NFL writer at ESPN. Kalyn reports on a range of NFL topics. She reported about the influence of coaching agents on NFL hiring and found out what current and former Cowboys players really think about the tour groups of fans that roam about The Star every day. Before joining ESPN in July of 2024, Kalyn wrote for The Athletic, Defector, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. She began her career at Sports Illustrated as NFL columnist Peter King's assistant. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she was a varsity cheerleader. In her free time, Kalyn takes Spanish classes and teaches Irish dance. You can reach out to Kalyn via email.Follow on XMultiple AuthorsJun 20, 2026, 06:00 AM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFor the first time in its history, the NFL plans to form a practice squad this season of up to 12 game officials. Its members will be assigned to specific crews, travel to stadiums and be available to work games if a starting official is either injured or performing poorly.
As part of its new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association, the league said it plans to elevate some practice squad members to work regular-season games for developmental purposes -- regardless of circumstance.
Utilizing a practice squad this way would represent a sharp change from previous business and serve as perhaps the most visible change from CBA negotiations that the NFL pledged -- publicly and privately -- would be dedicated to improving its officiating performance. It has been met with excitement from some league insiders, who have long advocated for what one called an injection of "NFL DNA" into the way officials are managed.