OTAs are ongoing around the NFL as teams proceed with the third and final phase of voluntary offseason workouts. Things could look much different in that regard next year. 
The NFL Players’ Association is finalizing a proposal to dramatically alter the layout of the offseason schedule, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network details. The new arrangement would call for a lengthy spell of time off for teams and players during the spring when voluntary workouts currently take place, with a ramp-up period to training camp beginning in mid-June. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk previously reported that the NFLPA was exploring such a proposal.
An official framework is expected to be in place this summer, per Pelissero, who adds the changes could take effect as early as next offseason. That would require an agreement with the NFL, since the structure of offseason workouts is collectively bargained. The majority of the players support the revisions, which would allow for meetings to take place during the spring but no on-field practices.
As for coaches and front office staffers, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes support for such a change does not appear present. The gap between minicamp and training camp falling when it does allows for family vacations, as it falls outside the schoolyear. Moving the period without offseason workouts to May would stand to interfere with staffers’ schedules, though many players’ families would also be impacted by this change.
Of course, this news comes against the backdrop of the NFL seeking another expansion to the regular season schedule. Commissioner Roger Goodell and many of the league’s owners are on board with an 18-game slate, something which needs to be bargained with the union. Adding a second bye week has been floated as one of several concessions to the NFLPA which could be required to exchange one preseason contest for an additional regular season one, and an expansion of time off during the spring could represent another.
A number of factors will need to be considered before any formal agreement is in place on this front. As Ben Volin of the Boston Globe notes, many players around the NFL have offseason workout bonuses in their contracts. The elimination of voluntary workouts (and therefore attendance at that portion of teams’ programs) would make such clauses moot. It will be interesting to see how the league’s owners respond once the proposal is finalized.
Pelissero notes the NFLPA consulted medical and performance personnel as part of the process of working out a revised offseason schedule. Allowing players more time off after the campaign has ended coupled with an uninterrupted period of OTA-like work immediately followed by training camp in the summer would certainly mark a drastic change from the status quo. If sufficient support exists for the changes, though, they could be made in relatively short order.
“If sufficient support exists for the changes, though, they could be made in relatively short order.”
Ha ha. This is management vs. union. There rarely is bilateral support for changes unless it’s *required* (i.e., negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement at the expiration of the old one or games cannot be played).
I don’t think the “vs” is appropriate. Unlike baseball, both sides are looking to build revenue. The owners made the first offer by putting an 18th game on the table. And they know they HAVE to pay the players. And now the players are putting their counter-offer on the table.
This is good business on both sides.
The current CBA was passed by the players 1,019 to 959. The relationship between management and union may be better than the MLB but it’s not a cozy one. Management is going to pay dearly for an 18th game. And rightly so. It’s a cash grab for management with no down side but it’s another chance to get injured for the players.
And the CBA is in place until 2030. There’s no urgency to add an 18th game. At least from the player’s side.
So the NFLPA is proposing players get more time off so they can have drag races with Lamborghini’s and find other ways of getting arrested? What could possibly be wrong with that idea?
22 year old kids with money are always going to be racing and getting arrested. Heck, I was poor and it didn’t stop from racing my Impala up and down the Deegan.
Like “racing my impala” reference.
Giving the young kids with money more idle time will just make it harder for them to resist the temptations that result in them doing stupid or reckless things. If they have a structured off-season regiment to follow they can hone their football skill set and avoid many of these arrests.
The agreements made to alter camp and practices with pads, adding optional and restricting communication between coaches and players had ultimately made the regular season start around week 3 or 4. Owners counter with adding more weeks and playoff spots. Now this proposal. it is really starting to get a bit much with all this spit on the fans faces.
Draft April
Players report to strength conditioning camp in june to work out with teammates and do light 7 on 7 drills to get offense defense installed
Training camp in July
Start regular season in August, 18 games, 2 bye weeks and no pre season games.
I like it. I haven’t watched a pre-season game in years. And there is probably little need to work out in pads. I’m guessing timing and routine are more important.
I like it too. August, to me, is a slow sports month. I’d be in to it. And I would think the league would be all for it. IE. no college football to compete with for the ad revenue.
You can’t play games in Arizona in August when temperatures can reach nearly 100 degrees. Pre season games are still a revenue source for the NFL so I doubt they would consider doing away with them entirely. If teams are going to have to play 18 games the league should consider shortening games to 4 quarter each 13 minutes in length.
Temperatures can still reach 100 degrees in September. In fact last year the average temperature in August was lower than the temperature in September
100, 86, 71
93,93,97,81
But you can also offset the temperature issue by starting games earlier or later. I’d assume highest temperature point is usually around noon but I’m not a meteorologist so let the nfl work with some and figure out when Arizona cardinals games should be played. 10am start seems reasonable before temperatures skyrocket or maybe 2pm start once temperatures start cooling.
And doesn’t the stadium have a retractable roof to create an air conditioned environment anyways?
Far as revenue they currently play 3 pre season games and 17 regular season games
Going to 18 games total and 2 bye weeks you get something more valuable, happy employees. You know what happy employees get you. Better product. Do you lose some money? Probably. But is making players play games they hate playing or don’t play in at all really a wise use of time? Not really. Viewership certainly isn’t the same nor is attendance.
I’m sure nfl players would love to spend Christmas with their families so give everyone Christmas and new years as a bye week.