NFL deal is said to be close - really

They've been saying that for several weeks now, but the Washington Post reports that an agreement in principle could be completed sometime between Friday and next Tuesday, barring further complications. Both sides are meeting today in NY. It's getting close to exhibition season, and the potential loss of some serious money. From the Post:

Talks between the full negotiating teams broke off temporarily last Friday after they stalled over the details of a rookie pay system. The league wants to curb the amount of guaranteed money in the contracts of rookies selected in the first round of the NFL draft. The players side appears willing to agree to some provisions, but has been resisting a system as restrictive as the one the league is seeking.

Other issues remain unsettled. They may include rules for free agency and ongoing court oversight of the agreement, according to people familiar with the talks. But it was not clear if disagreement over any of those issues could cause the talks to unravel if negotiators are able to work out the particulars of a rookie compensation system.