NFL labor negotiations took yet another surprising turn late Sunday when the league and union agreed to postpone free agency another 72 hours, giving the sides more time to try to reach agreement on a contract extension.

In a statement, the league said: "The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to extend the start of the 2006 league year for 72 hours - until 12:01 a.m., EST, Thursday, March 9 - in order to allow the NFL clubs to meet in Dallas on Tuesday to consider the NFL Players Association's offer."