If a lockout ends and no one is around to hear it, does anyone care? Despite my sarcasm, the end of the NFL lockout is one of the hottest topics in the sports world, getting no shortage of coverage from ESPN and NFL Network to name a few, not to mention regular news outlets. Now the media hype machine is in overdrive mode, attempting to cram the normal summer coverage into a matter of weeks.

Despite the fact the new CBA is actually not technically agreed upon and its finalization still weeks away, we do know a few important details. So let’s look at what they might mean:

1) Players get a 48% cut of league revenue
Considering the owners were putting a 42 or 44% figure in the beginning and players were asking for 50, this has to be good for the players. For the fan, this really doesn’t mean that much.

2) A possible $120 million cap
Interesting to note, is the proposed cap is agreed to, teams will have to spend close to the ceiling. For marquee teams this is not a problem, but for teams struggling to bring in revenue, being forced to spend money they might not have can’t be good for business.

3) Rookie wage scale, 4 year deal with option for 5th year
It will need to be ‘tweaked’ but the fact that it’s included is a good move. Rookies won’t like it, but paying a player $50 million before he’s even stepped on a practice field is absurd. If rookies don’t like it, then they just play hard to earn that big payday down the road. The length of the rookie contract seems a good one, as it gives owners player control and keeps costs down, while giving players job security.

4) 18 game season is ‘negiotable’
They passed the buck probably because they couldn’t reach a consensus on the issue. The move to an 18 game regular season seems nothing more then a ploy by the league to get more revenue. As does the proposed expanded Thursday TV package set for 2014.

5) Improved benefits to retired players
This seems to be a win for the players, however aren’t they already making tons of money? Maybe the league should teach fiscal responsibility? People in lots of other professions save up for retirement.

Overall, football fans are rejoicing that football is back and everyone is congratulating both sides on working ‘hard’ for this new deal. However, I find it hard to sympathize with people who make millions of dollars to play a game or people who make millions of dollars off those who play said game, but that’s how it is I suppose.