Robert Kraft believes new CBA Possible

[Ruff]

CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the approach for NFL owners in negotiations with the players on a new collective bargaining agreement.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday it's a realistic goal to reach a new CBA before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the league's fall meetings, Kraft said "we're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."

Even as the 32 owners were discussing strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them were expressing confidence that pro football is not headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached.

"It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jimmy Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are.

"I know that energy [to reach a deal] will be there."

Rest of the story @ http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5679027

[Kettle]

kudos to JR for being prepared for the looming lockout

[Ruff]

I think he done the smart thing, especially if the CBA DOES get done.

Sure, he threw a season away. But, he's putting us in a financial situation to re-sign all of our youth to long-term deals. (I think Beason and Kalil will get massive contracts.) And, he gives flexibility for the next Head Coach.

Think of the situation Shanahan was put in when he realized he had that horrible contract of Albert Haynesworth to work with. We have no guys like that. Thus, the next Head Coach that comes in will have the ability to move pieces around, and set things up how they wish.

[Kettle]

no doubt we are set up great to move forward in the race ahead. i just hate sitting at the starting line for so long as we're being lapped.