re: Why does the 53 man roster limit exist in NFL?

quote:

---

I get your first reason, but not your second

---

Keep their jobs?

So the players union is to protect current players first and foremost, not the new guys or potential future members. Hence the rookie contract changes as an example.

Unions are for 1) increasing compensation and 2) decreasing competition for jobs for current union members.

This is a balancing act of course, since you need enough open positions to have a strong union, but not too many where competition for their individual position rises.

You would think, if there are more jobs it's likely player A (starter) always has one, but that's only one element. The more players allowed not only drives down salary, it increases the odds a player B takes their spot, lowering Player A's value and salary on an individual basis. There are many competing forces that can sometimes be beneficial or harmful depending on who you're asking or the situation.

This fight takes place with the owners through the CBA. It's anyone's guess how that math came out to 53.