The Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Keith Rivers are still "far apart" in contract negotiations, a source told ESPN.com Sunday. Rivers, the No. 9 overall pick in April's NFL draft, has missed the entire first week of training camp with Cincinnati.

The two sides remain in constant negotiations. The source added that talks could improve dramatically at any time, but as of Sunday afternoon the team was not close to striking a deal with Rivers.

To alleviate the hassle, and avoid a Rivers-style holdout, which reached eight days on Sunday, Aug. 3, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell favors a rookie salary slotting system.

The trouble with a rookie salary slotting system is "it has to be collectively bargained," Goodell told the Dayton Daily News during his visit to Bengals' training camp this weekend. It's a big issue for the owners and players' union, but one that must be tackled and resolved.

"Something is wrong with the system and we have to address it," Goodell said. "I think it's better for the players, the teams and, most important, for the fans. It's a disservice when players aren't in camp."