The NFL lockout came to and end early Monday morning after the NFL players reps agreed in principle to a new contract bargaining agreement.


The lockout, which spanned 4 ½ month and threatened to cut into the NFLs regular season, was the longest work stoppage in league history. The two sides worked through the weekend to come to terms on a new CBA that will ultimately run for the next ten years with no opt-out clause. The CBA was signed later Monday afternoon, making it official.

According to several reports, a tentative timeline would allow NFL clubs to start signing 2011 draft picks and rookie free agents on Tuesday. Conversations with veteran free agents also could start Tuesday, and their signings could begin Friday, setting the stage for what will undoubtedly be the most frenetic and chaotic free agency signing period in league history as training camp and free agency will start on the same day for some teams. Big names that could be on the move include Nnamdi Asumugha (Raiders), Steve Smith (Panthers), Santonio Holmes (Jets), Ray Edwards (Vikings), Plaxico Burress (unsigned), Nick Collins (Packers) and others. 
 
Under the proposed schedule, training camps would open for 10 of the 32 teams on Wednesday, 10 more on Thursday, another 10 on Friday, and the last two teams on Sunday.