The Facts: On Friday, Judge Richard M. Berman invited the NFL and NFLPA to utilize the services of Magistrate Judge James C. Francis, IV for assistance with settlement talks in the Brady litigation. On Monday, the NFL and NFLPA wisely accepted.

Diehards Line: Via attorney Daniel Wallach, who posted the recent docket entries on Twitter, proceedings were held before Judge Francis on Monday, via telephone conference. According to PFT's Mike Florio, if Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s activity in the case includes another entry reflecting proceedings before Judge Francis, it will mean that the parties have kept talking. Which will mean that they had a reason to keep talking. Which will mean that they’re making progress toward a possible deal. ... Stay tuned.