Report: Deal Reached, NFL Lockout to End

Football is back for the fall. The New England Patriots are one step away from getting back to work in Foxborough.

According to the NFL.com, the NFL Players Association and the league have reached an agreement on a new labor deal.

The NFL Lockout could end today, Monday, July 25, as the players and league representatives are set to vote on an agreement this afternoon.

"The league's 32 player representatives and then all of its players still must vote to approve it, but at this point it appears a formality," the NFL.com report said.

According to the Associated Press, if players sign off on the agreement Monday, NFL clubs would be able to start signing 2011 draft picks and rookie free agents on Tuesday.

Starting on Wednesday, 10 teams would open camp, including the Patriots.

The NFL owners approved a proposed 10-year labor agreement with the NFL Players Association on Thursday. The agreement was a big step to putting an end to the lockout. Owners voted 31-0 to accept the proposed collective bargaining agreement, according to ESPN.

ESPN reported that the exhibition opener on August 7, The Hall of Fame game between Chicago and St. Louis, was canceled due to time restraints.