The NFLPA has asked all players to hold out of all voluntary activities until after COVID is no longer a concern. It is expected that all players will end up complying with that request. So, it's looking like no OTA's once again nor any other voluntary workouts.

Memo:

“We have been in regular contact with the NFL on negotiations over a virtual offseason. As we have shared with your Executive Committee and Board, it is clear that neither side wants to move off their respective position. As we have made clear throughout bargaining: The COVID status in the country is as perilous as it was at this point last year; a number of players recently tested positive at team facilities. COVID weekly positive rates are as high, if not higher than, at this point last offseason; and NFL players who contracted COVID last season can become infected again.

“We believe that having the same offseason rules as last year is in the best interest of . . . the players and gives us the best chance of completing a full NFL season in 2021.

“As you know, other than minicamps, all offseason workouts are completely voluntary despite some of the language used by the clubs in recent days. And, while the CBA allows the teams to host mandatory minicamps, we believe the league should make them virtual just like last season.


“It is the recommendation of the NFLPA based on our medical experts’ advice that if the voluntary offseason program is in person, players should not attend. Therefore, as teams host calls to discuss these issues we urge that all players consider their own health and safety, make a personal decision about attending voluntary workouts and take into consideration the unanimous recommendation of the NFLPA COVID committee that we have an entirely virtual offseason.

“Please let your Player Director know what the consensus is of your teammates regarding their individual decision about the voluntary offseason period. We will let you know what we hear regarding minicamps and training camp structure and schedule.”

We should be prepared for another slow start across the NFL this season. OTA's build team chemistry as well as the essential conditioning. The players get into their rhythm and schedules change from their personal trainer to an NFL program designed for you and the team to execute.

OTA's are great for establishing good relations with your team mates and starting to get in sync and get back to discussing detailed football with the team leaders and veterans whose brains you can pick. If we skip that there will still need to be an abbreviated mini-camp and training camp with the shortened preseason. We will have fewer vets now and we need help immediately on the field with less time to prepare them.

I have a feeling that we will start slower than last year but finish strong if we stay relatively healthy and have well trained back ups ready to go. We have several holes on defense that that players will need time in the system. We finally had all the defensive players for DA's scheme to succeed.

Not to mention that Sean's play book will look vastly different without Drew under center. Payton will have lots of new installations that even our best vets need reps to learn a new playbook. Thanks Guido for sharing more valuable information.