The NFL wants a new CBA done before the start of the '19 season, but that seems "extremely unlikely at this point" and is "not something that the NFL is really pushing hard," according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The league and NFLPA yesterday in Chicago held their fourth meeting regarding the CBA, with Giants Owner John Mara, Patriots Owner Robert Kraft and Steelers President Art Rooney II among those in attendance. Some of the "main issues were addressed," such as revenue splitting and there was "good communication between those sides." While the meeting "could have gone up to three days, it lasted only one day." However, observers should not "look too much into that." The current CBA expires after the '20 season, and all parties "would like to get this done earlier rather than later." However, the NFL and the NFLPA want to "do the right deal, not just the quick deal" ("NFL Total Access," NFL Network, 7/17). ESPN.com's Josina Anderson cited a source as saying that yesterday's negotiations "ended early because 'there was information they needed to take back and discuss further with the other owners.'" The source said, "Big topics are tabled (for now). There is definitely a lot of work to be done." The source added that the next set of negotiations are "set to start July 29" (ESPN.com, 7/18).
CAME TO PLAY: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio noted the NFLPA "definitely has done incredibly well" in the early stages of the CBA talks. The union has "created a clear impression that it is vehemently opposed to expanding the regular season." The question now is whether the NFL will eventually "make an offer that is so good that the NFLPA won't refuse it" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 7/16).
