NFL 2011 Lockout Progress Free Agent Season Stalled
As the NFL 2011 Lockout continues, there has been some marked progress over the last few days but the free agent season is currently stalled in a holding pattern as negotiations continue to end the Lockout. Call it the “Silly Season” but we just want to see a deal get done!
NFL 2011 Lockout Progress Free Agent Season Stalled: Recent meetings between the NFL and their Players has gained some momentum and that has raised hope that the lockout will soon end.
Free Agent Season Stalled – Expect A Frenzy Soon
Though the Lockout is not a good situation for anyone, NFL Free Agents are the group that is most in peril right now. Once the new CBA is finalized we are going to be swamped with a Free Agent frenzy as there will be a lot of them!
While they don’t have a deal in place, is it estimated that the NFL 2011 Free Agent crop could be as high as 500 players. It has been suggested that any player with four or more years of experience will be an unrestricted free agent under the new CBA.
Recent NFLPA Director and NFL Commissioner Statements
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith most recently said in part:
“I think we’re both optimistic when we have the right people in the room. We know we’re talking about the right issues and that we’re working hard to get it done. It is extremely complicated, it requires a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but we’re committed to getting something done and we’re going to keep working at it.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell countered in part with:
“We are under court order as far as what we can discuss so our comments will be brief. But obviously we’re all working hard. The players and owners were here over the last two days. But I think both of us feel strongly that we’re going to continue to work hard at it.”
NFL PLayer Reps Meet In Minneapolis As A Group – Deal Is Close
The NFL player reps are all now meeting with their legal team in Minneapolis which happens to be home to Arthur Boylan, the magistrate judge who is assigned to run the court-ordered mediation. This is a good sign because, up until now, they have been in four separate cities as splintered negotiating groups.
We would not be surprised if the NFL and the NFLPA were able to make an announcement, ending the lockout, on or around the 4th of July celebrations this weekend. It would make good theatrics, something that has been lacking throughout this entirely monotonous process.
From all we have researched, the NFL 2011-12 season, with a full preseason, can still be salvaged as long as deal is in place by July 15, 2011, and it will be!
The fans and betting public are ready for some football! Let’s get a deal done!!
