New York ? 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 an extension to their contract.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the delay would give owners a chance to consider the union’s latest proposal during a meeting Tuesday in Dallas.

Talks broke off earlier in the day, leaving dozens of veterans in danger of becoming salary-cap casualties before midnight today, when free agency was supposed to begin.

The breakdown in talks, though surprising, was typical of the topsy-turvy negotiations, so far: Just when things seemed darkest, they got back on track; and when it appeared a deal could be struck, talks fell apart.

“The talks ended after the NFL gave us a proposal which provided a percentage of revenues for the players which would be less than they received over the last 12 years,” said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Assn. “After suggesting we extend the waiver deadline from 6 o’clock to 10 this evening, they gave us a new proposal which was worse than their prior offer. Quite naturally, we rejected that proposal and saw no need to continue meeting.”

But Harold Henderson, the NFL’s executive vice president for labor relations, said the union rejected a proposal that would have added $577 million for players in 2006 compared to 2005 and $1.5 billion in the six years of the extension. “It’s an unfortunate situation for the players, the fans and the league,” Henderson said.

After a conference call between owners and league officials, including commissioner Paul Tagliabue, the league announced yet another extension.

“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,” the NFL said.

The deadline for teams to be below the salary cap was also pushed back.

Meanwhile, cuts had already started.

The Oakland Raiders thought they would be forced to let quarterback Kerry Collins go, saving $9.2 million in cap space. However, the delay gave them a reprieve. Center Kevin Mawae was cut by the New York Jets, although he probably would have been gone anyway because he is 35 and missed the final 10 games of last season due to a triceps injury.