ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that NFL owners are preparing for a vote on the proposed CBA to take place sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. today. Although it doesn't appear that any significant progress has been made with the players, the owners are moving forward with their vote to approve the new CBA.
If the new CBA is in fact approved, it's possible the owners could give the agreement to the players and tell them to either sign it or don't sign it. This would leave it up to the players to decide if they want the lockout to end or not, and if they decide not to sign it, you can bet fans will start turning on them in a big way. (Also, lump NFLPA lawyer Jeffrey Kessler in there as a target for anger from fans. Sal Paolantonio reports that many owners believe Kessler is the one "holding up the deal.")
Regardless of what happens with the owners, the players are planning to hold a conference call at 8 p.m. tonight. It's not clear if a vote will take place then or if the call will simply be to keep the players updated, but let's hope it is in fact to vote to end the lockout and approve the new CBA.
The only other thing I can really add at this point is this: A deal will be done eventually and football will be back. Is today the day the lockout will end? I don't know, but as Andrew Brandt wisely said on Twitter, "Closing is the hardest part. We will have a safe landing, but some turbulence along the way." I just hope the turbulence is short-lived and by tomorrow the lockout is a thing of the past.