Which document governs player contracts and their terms regarding termination pay?

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the foundational document that governs player contracts in the NFL, including terms related to termination pay. The CBA is a negotiated agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both players and teams. It covers a wide range of issues, including salary structures, player benefits, and the conditions under which contracts can be terminated.

Termination pay is specifically addressed in the CBA, specifying the financial obligations of teams if they choose to terminate a player's contract. This ensures that players have certain protections and guarantees regarding their compensation, providing a clear framework that teams and players must adhere to in the event that a contract is terminated.

The other documents mentioned, such as the NFL Policy Manual, Player Contract Guidelines, and the League Operations Manual, serve different purposes and do not have the same binding authority on player contracts as the CBA. These documents may provide additional guidelines or rules but are not the primary source governing contracts and termination pay.