HOPE: That is a word that's being used repeatedly on Thursday by officials from both the owner and player side. When both are speaking the same language there's likely some progress being made. And that's what's happening. Progress is being made. Not PR progress. Not phony progress. Serious progress in ending this nasty and protracted battle, I'm told by multiple sources.

This doesn't mean a deal is imminent but as one high ranking member of the trade association said to me via text: "This is the first time in many months I feel like we're headed in the right direction."

They still may not get an agreement for months to come but this is the most hopeful I've heard many of the key players in this battle be in quite some time.

This is why. I've been able to confirm that owners and members of the trade association have had (not so) secret meetings in Chicago this week.

But there's another caveat that hasn't been reported until now and it's the most interesting aspect. Both Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith have been asked repeatedly by their respective constituents to make sure no games are missed. I'm told more reasonable owners who also have more to lose (Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones among them) have been able to quell more hard line owners and convince trade association officials that owners are sincere in getting something done.

Meanwhile, Smith has been approached by players, I'm told, that now is a prime opportunity to get a deal done. Smith has also become more open to talking since the 8th circuit setback a few weeks ago.

So, rather organically and individually, cooler heads are prevailing on both sides.

Does a deal get done now? No way. But, again, I'm told progress is being made. Let's be clear, however. Things are still contentious. This could all break down any moment.

Still, both sides say there's hope, and when is the last time you heard that word.