NEW YORK, N.Y. - Four people familiar with the negotiations say NFL players and owners have made significant progress on rookie contracts, which has been a major stumbling block in the latest round of labour talks.
The owners will have an option for a fifth year on a rookie contract for a predetermined amount based on the player's performance during the previous years of the deal, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the talks are supposed to be confidential.
NFL owners and players are in their second straight day of lengthy negotiations, trying to resolve the impasse that has shut down the league for four months. They are expected to meet again Friday.
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Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this report.
