One of the NFL's most influential owners won't rule out the possibility a new collective bargaining agreement actually can be struck this week.

"We're doing everything we can to try to get a deal consummated, and I personally believe it's possible," New England Patriots owner Kraft said in a video posted by Comcast SportsNet New England.

"The good news is, it's always good to be talking when you have differences of opinion. It's the only way you have a chance. So we're talking, and I know from ownership's side that we feel there's a deal to be made, and we'd very much like to do it."

Kraft is a member of the NFL's labor committee, but he's in Israel as part of Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's economic trade mission. Kraft is in regular contact with commissioner Roger Goodell and can return stateside by Friday.

"If necessary, I might have to leave early," Kraft said. "It's a high priority. I made a commitment here. So we're going to finish the important things we're doing here [in Israel], and then depending what's going on, we're in daily contact by phone. It's unfortunate. We're supposed to [have a labor agreement] settled by now. That's how we planned this trip. But when one makes a commitment, one has to live up to the commitment."