Sources: Sides eye July 21 ratification (MUST READ)

[TruCatzFan]

Link to the article that says the lockout is all but over

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6756301

There is a growing belief inside league circles that the NFL and NFL Players Association will have an agreement in place that can be ratified during the July 21 league meetings in Atlanta, according to sources familiar with the state of negotiations.

As one NFL owner said this weekend, there's "no reason to believe it won't get done."

Other people familiar with the talks now think an agreement in principle will be put in place in the next seven to 10 days, a handshake deal that would allow each side to ratify the deal to start the 2011 season.

Here is how the outlined plan for a July 1 deal could be adjusted for a potential July 21 deal with what would be the corresponding dates, according to sources familiar with the document, which many teams in the league have not yet seen:

• July 1 (July 21): Educate the clubs on the news league rules and allow voluntary training for teams and agents.

• July 5 (July 25): Sign undrafted rookies, as well as give free agents a chance to re-sign with their teams.

• July 8 (July 28) -- League year starts and free agency begins.

• July 13 (Aug. 2) -- Rosters must be set at 90 players.

• July 14 (Aug. 3) -- Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

• July 18 (Aug. 7 ) -- A four-day match period for teams to match restricted free-agent offer sheets.

• July 23 (Aug 12) -- Deadline for rookies to sign contracts (not yet agreed upon).

• July 27 (Aug. 16) -- Signing period for restricted free agents ends, as does the signing period for franchise and transition tenders.

• Aug. 9 (Aug. 29) -- Deadline for players to report to earned credit for an accrued season toward free agency.

Of the dates, the most significant is July 28, which would be the start of the league year and the multitude of roster moves that teams have been waiting and planning for months.

So there it is boys and girls... It looks like the end is near! Hallelujah!!

The Huddle is about to pick the fug up! no more pooty threads! YAY!!!!

Once again just trying to keep everybody up to speed on all this bullshyit

[jtnc]

So they're gonna give teams a period to re-sign free agents?

[countryboi]

call me when its over....this we think its over but its not really over yet stuff its playing with my emotions

[CatMan72]

So they're gonna give teams a period to re-sign free agents?

Yup, they are going to give teams 3 days to sign their own players to prevent the total chaos of wide-open FA the moment the lockout is over.

[jtnc]

Yup, they are going to give teams 3 days to sign their own players to prevent the total chaos of wide-open FA the moment the lockout is over.

Looks like we got a good chance of keeping all our FA's! :D

[TruCatzFan]

Alright negative Nancies... We FINALLY have what looks to be a definitive outline for the first time and guys are still whining?

I'm excited for the first time, and it feels GREAT!

[Udogg]

Rookie Salary Cap meet Monkey Wrench.

Monkey Wrench meet Rookie Salary Cap.

Don't get too excited.

[L-TownCat]

It looks as though things may work out to at least have a normal season but dont expect the product to be the same. These guys are creatures of habit there is no telling how they have reacted to this long of a layoff. But anyway Im totally stoked for some FootBall!!!!!

[Hairless Cat]

great news if it happens.

[PhillyB]

trying soooooooooo hard to believe it...

[weymouthst]

We will see.

[jtnc]

I'm just really happy about the chance for us to sign our FA's without getting into a bidding war.

[j2sgam]

Alright negative Nancies... We FINALLY have what looks to be a definitive outline for the first time and guys are still whining?

I'm excited for the first time, and it feels GREAT!

Hell yeah, thats reason to get excited.. But until its done its not. Its only speculation at this point, as with every other 'CBA signed by x date' article. While yours gives us a breakdown of what is to happen, I cant get too excited until it does...

[Zod]

I don't want to get my hopes up. Seems human stupidity can always prevent something from happening last minute.