[NFL.com] The NFL and its players union broke off talks again, leaving dozens of veterans in danger of becoming salary cap casualties before free agency begins a minute after midnight Monday.

The breakdown was typical of the topsy-turvy negotiations — just when things seemed darkest, they got brighter. And when it looked optimistic a deal could be struck, as it seemed early Sunday, talks broke down.

“They’re off,” NFL vice president Joe Browne said after a day of bargaining that seemed to provide hope of an agreement. Earlier, the league had pushed back the deadline for teams to get under the salary cap from 6 p.m. ET to 10 p.m.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the union broke off the talks and had no further explanation. Union officials could not immediately be reached for comment.