The list of teams preparing to move ahead with a virtual offseason program has nearly reached 20. The 49ers, Ravens and Saints joined the brigade Saturday, voicing support of the NFLPA’s call to boycott voluntary workouts.
Teams can begin onsite offseason work Monday, though on-field work cannot begin until May 17. The 49ers’ statement indicated many players will not attend (on Twitter); the Ravens and Saints’ statements did not include this language (Twitter links). John Harbaugh said a second straight year with a virtual offseason would be a “colossal mistake,” via ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley (on Twitter), but the Ravens will proceed in this direction anyway.
Saturday’s three teams (so far) announcing they will not show for the start of the voluntary offseason program makes 19 franchises not expected to attend workouts. However, some players on the first team to stand with the NFLPA — the Broncos — will attend their program, and others are on the fence.
It will be interesting to see if other teams who have seen players vow to stay away see some in their ranks report to workouts. Phase 2 of the offseason program will include a rookie minicamp, which will feature draftees and UDFAs vying to take some veterans’ jobs. The NFL and NFLPA have not reached a resolution on the offseason format, despite the league unilaterally releasing a schedule, but the sides still have some time until on-field work commences. Until then, the NFL will see some teams report to workouts and others stay home.
Here are the teams that are planning to begin a virtual offseason Monday:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Chicago Bears
- Cleveland Browns
- Denver Broncos
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Personally, I’m excited to see a few scrubs (no insult meant, but there’s always bench warmers) that get in injured off site working out and the NFLPA saying ‘no pay for you’. That’s gonna be a fun argument.
You think only scrubs workout off-site? You can probably find videos of starters, stars included, working out with their own personal trainers, not to mention working out in special camps, like Jerry Rice’s off-season camp for wideouts.
If the coaches can’t see the commitment from the players, then they little fighting chance to make the roster.
I think it was 2 years ago during the 4th preseason game, a reporter asked Bill B what he thought of all of the preseason games. He explain those games allow for the younger players to be seen by all teams and get reps. Those days are gone.
Poor lazy liberals
Poor lazy troll
Glad to see that the statement from the Saints’ players noted the benefits that last off-season had in reducing concussions and missed time injuries, and in aiding soft tissue recovery. The same statement noted that, as professionals, they know the importance of off-season preparation.
Fans who are old enough should remember that at least through the 1970’s, the only off-season prep that the teams organized was training camp itself. Off-season conditioning and rehab were the players’ responsibility. I’m not even sure when OTA’s and mini-camps started, but I don’t think it was till the 90’s at the earliest. Anyone know?
No surprise here. The veterans want to protect their jobs from the new hires for as long as possible. If canceling off-season prep helps do that then they’ll be all for it.