With the March 3 deadline approaching, NFL fans got good news today when the NFL and NFLPA announced they have agreed to talk starting on Saturday, the day before the Super Bowl.

The two sides haven’t had meaningful talks in months, so it’s a step in the right direction.

The statement issued by both sides said: “NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and Commissioner Roger Goodell met today in New York to discuss a range of issues related to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. As part of a process to intensify negotiations, they agreed to hold a formal bargaining session with both negotiating teams on Saturday in the Dallas area. They also agreed to a series of meetings over the next few weeks, both formal bargaining sessions and smaller group meetings, in an effort to reach a new agreement by early March.”

If a new agreement is not reached there’s a possibility the owners will lock out the players.

The NFL is so wildly popular that Sunday’s Pro Bowl game drew monster ratings -- the biggest since 2000. The TV ratings were surprising because as they say there’s nothing like good football and that was nothing like good football.

Perhaps that’s the impetus to get back to the bargaining table. Both sides know the NFL and its players would take a hit if the season is shortened or not held at all.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)