Interesting article in the NY times at a time updates have been hard to come by. Couple of interesting new pieces of information, 1 from each side of the table:

Players - NFLPA leadership seems to be more favorable towards the 18 game season, treating it as a bargaining chip whereas the players rightly see it as a health and safety issue. Have always contended the wild card in this negotiation is the unfamiliarity of new Union leadership - with G Upshaw, owners knew what they were dealing with.

Owners - looks like the time line and doomsday scenario of heading into the summer without a CBA is less likely than feared. Sponsorship deals will be at risk sooner rather than later - driving parties to the bargaining table at the conclusion of this season.

I make no pretense of understanding this beyond the level of a motivated fan. In my business experience, when 2 parties have a genuine motivation to come to terms, they find a way to do so.