With the salary cap increasing dramatically this season and next, the union has encouraged players to sign contract that decline over time so they can get as much guaranteed money up front as possible, according to sources.

The cap will be set at least $94 million this season and $107 million in 2017 before the cap flattens in 2018.

There is also a pending potential lockout in 2017 as the owners and players work on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The league's minimum payroll will be at $85 million.