The NFL players association is telling agents to negotiate contracts as if no new labor deal will be in place during free agency. Union executive director Gene Upshaw finished the latest bargaining session today without hammering out a contract extension. Upshaw sounded pessimistic that a contract can be settled before the free agent signing period begins next Friday.

One player effected by a lack of a labor deal is the New England Patriots' Adam Vinatieri's future. The kicker could get a chance to test free agency after the team declined to name him its franchise player. The designation would have forced the Pats to commit to a one-year, three million-dollar offer to Vinatieri. Without the tag, the team won't be compensated if he signs with another team.

- No Progress In NFL Labor Negotiations (Washington Post)
- On The Loose: Pats: No Tag For Adam (Boston Herald)

Posted by J. Cleveland Payne @ 12:08 PM   0 comments ---------------------------------------