Are you ready for some optional offseason workouts?
Monday marks the start of the offseason program for 13 NFL clubs.
The Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders are all starting the offseason program today.
Seven other clubs will start training on Tuesday. The 10 teams with new head coaches have gotten a head start on their programs over the past two weeks. The Philadelphia Eagles (April 25) and Cincinnati Bengals (May 2) are the latest teams to start practice.
It is important to reiterate that this phase is voluntary and players do not have to participate in it. Veterans are only required to appear for training at the obligatory mini camps in June.
All 32 teams are eligible for a nine-week voluntary offseason program. Phase One includes the first two weeks of activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehab.
There won’t be actual football on the pitch, but teams will start installing their playbooks and gaining a foothold in meetings. For example, Patrick Mahomes can start meeting with his new wideout room to work on the plan to replace Tyreek Hill. Or Christian McCaffrey will test his fitness after missing the end of the season with his latest injury.
While it’s important to note that these training sessions are voluntary, it’s always interesting to see who skips the start of the training program – especially when contract negotiations for key players are looming.