NFL, Players to take regular part in meetings

The NFL and NFL Players Association announced on Tuesday that they will take part in regularly scheduled meetings to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement. The NFL and NFLPA issued the following statement: "Today, the members of the NFL's Management Council and the NFLPA's Executive Committee met to discuss negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The League and the Union have committed to meet regularly in the coming months, which will involve staff, NFL leadership, members of the NFLPA Executive Committee and Player Representation."

The league and its players most recently agreed upon a collective bargaining agreement in 2011. The deal, which was reached after a player lockout, runs through the end of the 2020 season. Both sides hope that starting negotiations early may help to avoid a work stoppage after the end of next season.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was among those in attendance for Tuesday's meeting, according to NFL.com.

(With inputs from agencies.)