PFT Live with Mike Florio Chris Simms reveals 2026 NFL Draft LB Rankings + Referees Association fights back (3/26 Hour 2)
Mar 26, 2026
An intense breakdown of the stalled CBA talks and the referees association pushing back against the league. Tense discussion about whether officials should be full-time and how the PR battle is playing out. A deep dive into 2026 linebacker rankings with top prospects and sleeper names. Notes on the 2026 season opener schedule, a possible Las Vegas Super Bowl, and Patrick Mahomes’ rehab update.
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League Preparing Replacement Officials As Negotiation Leverage
- The NFL is preparing to replace current officials with lower-level replacements as leverage in CBA talks, risking game quality and public trust.
- Mike Florio notes this mirrors the 2012 lockout and critics warn replacements will be drawn from college and high-school levels, worsening officiating.
Make Officials Full Time And Train With VR
- Make NFL officials full-time and invest in VR/simulated reps to improve accuracy and consistency across the season.
- Mike Florio and Chris Simms argue full-time schedules, centralized weekly review sessions, and VR practice would sharpen rules application and cut end-of-season learning curves.
Referees Say League Sent Negotiators Without Authority
- The NFL Referees Association accused the league of sending negotiators without authority, which stops meaningful bargaining.
- The NFLRA statement says league delegates couldn't negotiate beyond the original proposal, so talks ended after half a day.