The deadline for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in the NFL has been extended for another week. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the new deadline is now Friday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m. ET. This extension was earlier speculated after both sides agreed to a 24-hour extension on Thursday.
However, this appears to be the only extension that will be made to reach a new deal. Both sides will rest over the weekend and resume talks on Monday. They will then have five days to reach a new deal or watch for the players union to decertify and the owners to lock out the players. Once that happens, the courts will enter into the equation and we'll start to hear plenty of legalese.
This deal, however, does extend to players who are free agents. Players are no longer able to sign with teams.
Revenue split is the big issue, but the 18-game season and a rookie pay scale are also hot topics that will be discussed in any new CBA.