It Is Finally Over: Owners and Players Have An Agreement

136 days ago, I sat stunned. I was red with fury as I watched the NFLN. The owners and players could not come to an agreement to a new CBA nor could they come to an agreement to extend the deadline. The visual of the NFLPA walking away from the owners stuck with me. I was so angry, I vowed that I would not watch a single game. I was going to make them pay. Fast forward 136 days and I don’t know if there is a happy enough word that describes how I’m feeling. Giddy is probably as close as it gets. Football is back and it’s a damn good feeling. It’s been a long process. An incredibly long, grueling process with so many ups and downs that it makes the world largest roller coaster ride feel like a luxurious cruise. Some days, there was major progress with high hopes of a deal followed by a huge splash of cold water and news that a deal was nowhere near close. There was a lot of finger pointing, a lot of anger, and football Armageddon nearly happened many times. As a fan, it has been an exhausting process. I’ve followed this lockout since day one. I have ridden that incredibly long roller coaster. I’ve felt every emotion possible during this process. That is probably why today is such a good day, a special day.Football is back folks and it’s back in a big way. This week is going to be downright crazy.

Tuesday- players will begin to arrive at their team facilities to take physicals, meet coaches, get playbooks, etc. Also, teams can begin signing undrafted free agents and their own rookie free agents. Teams can begin talking to free agents, but no signings can occur until Friday. Trades are also open on Tuesday.
Wednesday- 10 teams will start their training camps stay tuned for more news on that.
Thursday- teams can begin cutting their players and the waiver period begins.
Friday- the day that everyone has waited for. On Friday, teams can sign any type of free agent.

So get ready folks. After 136 days, the NFL lockout is over, football is back and it’s coming in one big swoop. As always, NFLMocks will be here to break down all the free agent news, player cuts, waivers, and trades. So buckle your bets, put your trays in the upright position, throw your mittens around your kittens because here we go.

Oh, and by the way.

FOOTBALL IS BACK!