TWEETS:
CBA EXTENSION:
In one day, DeMaurice Smith changes perceptions among owners | ProFootballTalk
Well, we got the extension to labor talks that all NFL fans were hoping for. Now what? NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and NFL lead negotiator Jeff Pash will hold dueling press conferences around 3 p.m. ET to go over the decision to extend talks for a week.
No transactions allowed, but teams can talk to their players during extension | ProFootballTalk
It's about to get real quiet. During the league's seven day extension on CBA talks, there will be no player transactions. Teams aren't allowed to talk to prospective free agents or re-sign any of their own players.
Roger Goodell: "Talking is better than litigating" | ProFootballTalk
Shortly after the NFL and the players' union agreed to extend their negotiating period by seven days, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed optimism that negotiations will lead to a deal -- rather than leading to the two sides meeting in a courtroom.
DeMaurice Smith: "We’re not going to let you down" | ProFootballTalk
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith spoke briefly to the media Friday afternoon after agreeing to a one-week extension of mediated labor negotiations with the NFL.
NFL, players agree to 7-day CBA extension
The league and the players' union agreed Friday on a seven-day extension of the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA was set to run out on Thursday before a 24-hour extension was granted.
Silver: Deal is "highly achievable," alternative is "Armageddon" | ProFootballTalk
As it turns out, Thursday's agreement to agree on a 24-hour deadline for the purposes of possibly agreeing to a new agreement wasn't the day's biggest development.
Ten things to know, right now, about the labor situation | ProFootballTalk
As you spend Friday wondering exactly what will be happening with the NFL and the players’ union as they embark on the extension aimed at getting another extension, it’s a perfect time to get up to speed on the issues, so that you can dazzle your friends and/or cure your insomnia.
NFL retirees await benefits of CBA negotiations
"I don't know all the consequences of it," Ditka said. "I think the people that are negotiating on both sides understand it better. I just think it's a tragedy. Football has grown into such a popular sport and such a money-making sport. You're talking about basically a $9 billion business, and I would hope that both sides would find a way to work it out. I think there are some things that need to be done."
NFL labor game of chicken could end up being settled in the courts | NOLA.com
Tulane sports law expert: 'There are so many possibilities'
Bring on the NFL lockout ... it's long overdue | MLive.com
It'll be tough to put down the drug of professional football, but everyone involved will be better off after the league emerges from its labor dispute.
NFL lockout: Owners are nothing but pigs at the trough | Jeff Schultz
NFL is on the verge of a lockout because commissioner Roger Goodell and billionaire owners are asking for too much money from the NFLPA.
10 things you need to know about a possible NFL lockout - Michael McCann - SI.com
The NFL and the Players Association agreed Thursday to extend the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement by 24 hours, until 11:59 p.m. Friday, as they try to hammer out a new agreement. Here are some issues to keep in mind as the situation unfolds.
SAINTS:
Saints Welcome Norwich University's Drill Team to Saints Facility
Saints coach Payton to complete family move to Texas this weekend
"It’s all happening right now,’’ Payton said. "We’re in the midst of moving right now. But as a coaching staff we’re off for the week of Mardi Gras like always and we’ll regroup back in New Orleans on March 13th, so it kind of shuts down anyway. Other than that I’m not allowed to say anything with regard to our football operations.’’
Where will the New Orleans Saints go to upgrade first on defense? Mailbag | NOLA.com
Answering your Saints questions
New Orleans Saints lock up Pierre Thomas, Garrett Hartley ahead of potential lockout | NOLA.com
Saints wheeling, dealing down to wire
New Orleans Saints reader comment: Pierre Thomas 'a good all-around football player' | NOLA.com
Highlighting comments from our readers
AROUND THE LEAGUE:
Eagles pull Michael Vick from ESPN interview | ProFootballTalk
Once again, Michael Vick has failed to honor a commitment. Vick was scheduled to appear today on ESPN First Take, which is being filmed in front of a live audience at ESPN the Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Falcons sign tackle Will Svitek, punter Ken Parris | Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons signed offensive tackle Will Svitek and punter Ken Parrish today. Svitek, 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, played in all 17 games last season as a
Redskins Insider - Redskins sign safety O.J. Atogwe
Updated: 6:44 p.m. The Washington Redskins have signed free agent safety O.J. Atogwe, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. The team announced the signing shortly after. Atogwe, who was released by the St. Louis Rams on Feb. 18, visited Redskins Park four days later but left...
Green Bay Packers news | Green Bay Packers LB A.J. Hawk signs new 5-year deal | Green Bay Press-Gazette
By re-signing linebacker A.J. Hawk, the Green Bay Packers have committed to him as a starter and an every-down player.
LAGNIAPPE:
JaMarcus Russell is on the verge of losing his mansion - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Comprehensive National Football League news, scores, standings, fantasy games, rumors, and more