I heard on a discussion of this on a sports radio. They were talking about how it was easy for union reps and quarterbacks with ten year careers to talk about missing a season. But the problems were with convincing the linemen and backup running backs who might be in the league for three years, making the most money they ever will, to give up one of those years so future players can make more.
The owners should introduce a no contract clause whereby all $180 for players will be doled out equally among all players regardless of playing time and position. They could call it a “return to the values of Democracy”.