Photo by tzakielmuto

And there it is folks. Open FedEx Field’s gates now that the 2011 season NFL lockout is over after reps from the NFL Player Association and team owners finished negotiations earlier today. The deal will be finalized tomorrow when the players’ reps executive committee meets in D.C. on Monday for a final, yet routine, vote to approve the measures. After another vote by all the players to ratify the deal, both training camps and free agency are expected to commence later this week, on the same day no less.

Surprisingly, we can expect to see Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth at training camp on the first day, according to an interview he gave to ESPN Radio. May this is a sign that the ‘skins are turning over a new leaf — that is if you can teach Dan Snyder to take it easy on the charge card. But once again, Snyder is expected to go on a shopping spree once the NFL’s free agency begins. At the top of the list: a new QB, and those do not come cheaply. But for now, relish in the fact that there is something to look forward to come Fall, other than a respite from this unbearable weather and a default on our nation’s credit.