Despite the many moves of the past three days, the level of activity still hasn’t reached the pace that many had predicted. One agent who represents more than a few players indicated on Thursday that one of the reasons for the lack of a full-blown frenzy is the inability of players to visit any team but the one they played for in 2010.
And so come 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, the process could move to a new level. Which means that, on Friday night and throughout the weekend, more and more deals will be getting done.
It could explain why so many teams have turned their attention to signing their draft picks. Once Friday night rolls around, the focal point could be veteran free agents from other teams.
We’re also keeping an eye out for any other players who have reached agreements in principle, and who decide not to actually sign the paperwork. Brandon Stokley already has stiffed the Redskins; there could be more.
Through it all, we’ll keep chugging along. This is both a marathon and a sprint, and we have no idea where the finish line is.
It still beats the hell out of a lockout.