As Far Apart As They Are, Both Sides Need to Come to Agreement

With a deadline looming this Friday for the expiration of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, word is the side are no where close to an agreement, even with a federal mediator overseeing the negotiations.  No surprise there.  Only surprise may be how long a possible lockout will last.

No agreement means a lockout and a shutdown of all other NFL functions outside the NFL draft in April.  I think even the draft loses luster if a lockout still exists by the time the draft is held in April.  It will be tough to get up for a draft if teams haven’t been able to explore other options previous to the draft such as free agency.

Personally, I don’t see how they avoid a lockout at this point.  I suppose they could go all MLB on us and come to an agreement at the very last second as MLB did in August 2002 to avoid a strike.  I just don’t see it happening.  I’ve avoided talking about a possible lockout up to this point for that very reason, it has seemed all but inevitable.

We will all see what will happen this week but don’t expect any earth shattering announcements such as an agreement in place.  It will take miracles in my opinion.  As you will though, I will hope for the best.  I think the NFL players and owners will do a huge disservice to its fans by allowing the CBA to expire without a new agreement.