With the folks who run the show returning to the labor talks on Thursday, the lawyers went overtime — a little — to set the table for what could be a final push toward an agreement in principle.
Albert Breer of NFL Network reports that the lawyers met for 11 hours on Wednesday in Manhattan, working on the crafting of language that will appear in the new CBA, if/when a new CBA is finalized.
Breer also reports that the parties don’t believe Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan’s looming vacation requires a deal to be reached before Boylan bolts. Citing two unnamed sources, Breer says that the preseason revenue remains the primary motivation for working out a new labor deal.
Either way, Thursday looks to be the biggest day to date in determining whether this deal can be worked out in a manner that salvages the entire regular season and preseason.