The NFL and its players union have agreed to a framework for virtual offseason programs that will begin as early as April 20 and allow coaches and players to interact with each other through videoconferencing tools. The program will be in place through May 15, at which time the two sides will reassess the landscape as it pertains to policies aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 and determine how the rest of the spring will unfold.
There is a possibility that after May 15, teams will be allowed to return to their facilities and hold on-field workouts for the remaining six weeks of the offseason program. However, the NFL said that in the spirit of balanced competition, if any of the 32 teams are under stay-at-home orders from their local government, none of the teams will be allowed to return.
"The caution of making sure that we adhere to state regulations and the medical community was first and foremost," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said on a conference call Monday. "The term that came up (in discussions with the players) was being 'reasonable and responsible' in the current environment."
