The NFLPA is proposing a really good idea to overhaul OTAs and training camp
The NFL offseason is on track to look very different, very soon.Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the NFLPA is finalizing a proposal that will end OTAs in exchange for a longer training camp. Right now, OTAs are conducted throughout May and mandatory minicamp is in June, with training camp starting in late July – typically […]
The NFL offseason is on track to look very different, very soon.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the NFLPA is finalizing a proposal that will end OTAs in exchange for a longer training camp. Right now, OTAs are conducted throughout May and mandatory minicamp is in June, with training camp starting in late July – typically the final week.
If the proposal passes, the report date for training camp would be pushed back into "mid-June to early July". Pelissero also notes three additional items: The majority of informed/active players support the idea, a formal proposal is expected mid-Summer, and the idea isn't directly tied into the possibility of an 18-game schedule. Although, it would certainly mesh with the structure.
It's a good idea and it does in fact make sense. Another aspect of the proposal is the new structure would allow players more time to rest up, therefore, they wouldn't miss as many on-field reps. I'm not just talking about players who suffered long-term injuries during the season, either. Players have minor offseason surgeries all the time, at random times. This would help mitigate any potential timeline in which they have to stand on the sideline.
Specifically, this is pure speculation on my end, but this gets implemented as soon as next offseason (2025), if it's passed. All it takes is the flip of a switch, pretty much, in the form of readjusting the calendar. It'll probably make things a lot easier, honestly, in terms of planning and structuring practices and whatnot. It'll also be interesting to see how the online, virtual aspect during Spring is conducted.
Eventually, and most likely, we will have an 18-game schedule that pushes the Super Bowl toward the end of February or into early March. Free agency might get slightly pushed back, but it won't be a surprise if the start date remains the same. The draft is almost 100% likely to stay where it's at. An extra game shouldn't affect the powerhouse of an event it has become. If anything, the college football playoff expansion could affect the draft date.
Either way, 2025 is on track to look a whole lot different to NFL fans.
