Uncapped 2010 Season Could Pay Dividends For The Chiefs

New rule changes for NFL's 2010 season will be pivotal for many organizations and will dictate a new direction for which there may not be a return.

As it currently stands, it has been reported that NFL General Managers will have even more leverage when it comes to contract negotiations.

This past May, the majority of owners agreed to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the league will no longer operate under a salary cap format. In essence, football will operate much as MLB with players who enter the league having to wait a full six years before becoming free agents

It helps organizations because they will be able to retain players for an additional two years. There are exceptions.

What may happen is that free agents will be able to go to the highest bidder with the advantage being that other players will not have to have their contracts negotiated to create salary cap room. Big markets such as Chicago and New York will have advantages over small markets like Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

The reason this is such a big issue is because the Players Association will stick a wedge in the door and players will strike before they go back to the previous system

As it stands, both Derrick Johnson and Jarred Page will have to remain with the Chiefs for another two years. They normally would be unrestricted free agents after this season but because its their first four years in the league they become restricted.

Now, more than ever, the NFL Draft will be more important because any small market team that drafts poorly will suffer

The Pittsburgh Steelers may become the next Pittsburgh Pirates

Of course, they state only 2010 will be uncapped but I'll believe that when I see it.

I'm sure there are more details to come.