Once again, the NFL CBA negotiations went long on Wednesday, going for a total of around 11 hours. We've heard an agreement is close and agreement is close, womp womp womp. What we do know however, is that the NFL and NFLPA* have both agreed on some smaller scale issues, which is why there have been lawyer only meetings, to get all the kinks out of those agreements.
Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that the long session yesterday was "difficult" with "little progress".
Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that most the NFLPA* contingent began to leave the sessions sometime after 8:00 p.m. ET. Many of the owners continue to meet with each other, and it's possible the two sides could reconvene.
The long session was described as "difficult" with "little progress" in the core issues. Smaller issues continue to be worked out, but Wednesday was "frustrating."
The biggest issues that remain of course are the rookie wage scale and revenue split, but most seem to feel the biggest sticking point right now is the rookie wage scale. Players want 4-year deals for first rounders, but in order for that to happen the owners would like a 5th-year option (like an extra franchise tag).
"Everybody is trying to figure out how to open training camps within the next two weeks so we don't lose a week of preseason. Nobody wants to lose $200 million," Sal Paolantonio of ESPN.com reported. I still believe a deal will be done within the next 7-10 days, but for each ray of hope there's a big dark cloud that covers it up immediately, it seems.
It is always darkest before the dawn, however.
(h/t to @Jpon for the title)