WASHINGTON (AP) — Say this for the NFL and its players' union: They are on speaking terms at the moment.

The sides met with a federal mediator for the fourth day in a row Monday, trying to make progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement before the current labor deal expires.

After months of infrequent — and sometimes contentious — bargaining, the league and union were face-to-face Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a total of more than 20 hours. The sessions are taking place at the office of George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a U.S. government agency.

"Conversation," New York Jets fullback Tony Richardson said Sunday, "is good."...

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