Here's what Tom Brady's deflate-gate appeal could mean

Monday marks the deadline for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to appeal his deflate-gate case, and all signs point toward his camp starting that ball rolling.

According to ESPN, the NFLPA plans to file a petition this afternoon to rehear Brady's case "en banc" — which, in legal terms, means in front of the entire court — in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. It's a risky approach, as typically the court defers to the findings of its three-judge panel, which previously had reinstated his four-game suspension by a 2-1 vote, as a matter of respect.

But the NFLPA clearly believe it has a case and that Brady was wronged during the process.

"The divided panel of the Second Circuit reached erroneous legal conclusions under an unfair and unjust standard," NFLPA attorney Theodore B. Olson said in a statement. "The decision and the standards it imposes are damaging and unfair — not only to Tom Brady but to all parties to collective bargaining agreements everywhere.

"Commissioner Goodell cannot sit as an appellate arbitrator and then affirm the league's initial disciplinary decision based upon a new theory and imagined evidence and pretend to be an unbiased decision-maker."

The legal team's argument is starting to take focus. NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith issued a statement that the Brady decision has wider-sweeping effects than to just one star quarterback — every NFL player should be upset at this ruling, he argues — and that Roger Goodell's initial punishment violates the CBA.

"This Union has always stood for protecting the rights of our members. Our filing of this appeal today on behalf of Tom Brady and all NFL players is no different. He was not afforded fundamental fairness and due process as guaranteed by the collective bargaining agreement and case law.

"We also know that the NFL propped up a now completely debunked 'independent' report with a made-up standard as the basis for his suspension. For sixty years we have affirmed the right to seek redress for our members and we will always hold the NFL accountable."

Still, by most accounts, this is the legal equivalent to a Hail Mary pass.

Brady's lawyers had requested and were granted a two-week extension to decide which approach to take, so clearly they've thought things through. How long could a decision to grant the "en banc" status take? It varies, but one month's time appears to be a standard length to be expected. ESPN business analyst Andrew Brandt estimated it might occur as fast as three weeks but as long as six. But that's just the next step in the process.

If this is granted, the chances of Brady being eligible from the start of the season until the case has been settled increase dramatically. Assuming that timetable, the case might not begin for many months and Brady might be expected to play in the Patriots' season opener at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. It's possible that Brady serves no time during the 2016 season while this plays out.

And what if Brady's "en banc" request is denied? His legal eagles then could ask for a stay from the appellate court as they prepare his case for an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Yes, it could get that far. And no, this thing is not over. Far from it, it appears.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm