The Patriots are in "back-channel negotiations" with the NFL to resolve their Deflategate penalties, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Roger Goodell and Patriots owner Robert Kraft already have met, spoke and even hugged, per an industry source who witnessed it.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 19, 2015The two sides are trying to reach an agreement without an appeal or possible litigation following the Patriots' penalties, per Schefter. New England has until Friday to appeal its penalties, which include the loss of two draft picks and a $1 million fine.
MORE: Kraft angered by Deflategate | Goodell may end up in court | SNL spoofs Brady
New England's penalties were issued by the NFL for what was described as a lack of cooperation from the Patriots throughout the investigation by Ted Wells.
Quarterback Tom Brady has already officially appealed his four-game suspension by the league after Wells' report said he likely had knowledge of underinflated footballs during last season's AFC title game against the Colts.