NEWSLETTER
In mid-April, the NFLPA shared a statement from Bears players saying a “majority of our locker room” wouldn’t participate in in-person voluntary workouts. The decision comes from concerns surrounding safety, as we’re still living through a global pandemic.
Fast forward a month, and we’re set to see a change in the offseason training schedule. And while the Bears didn’t have a reason as to why a change is coming, the change, itself, speaks volumes:
The second phase of the offseason program still begins tomorrow and includes strength and conditioning, as well as on-field work at a “teaching pace.” Meetings are still virtual.
Will be interesting to see if this change increases attendance, which is voluntary.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) May 17, 2021
During his Sunday press availability, Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy said he would have a better idea of what attendance at OTAs would look like when Monday rolled around.
This makes me wonder if this change represents a meeting in the middle between players and the team. Trim some OTAs off the schedule here, when participation might be low, get a more committed partaking from players down the road. And if that’s the case, this could be a model for teams around the league to follow. At least, it could be an example of bargaining between two sides with different interests. Nothing wrong with meeting in the middle.
Based on the decision to trim a week off from OTAs, I’d venture to guess that attendance wasn’t going to be at all-time highs. And that’s fine. After all, we’re talking about “voluntary” workouts. Then again, I’m sure players want to avoid a messy situation like the one Ja’Wuan James is facing in Denver. We’ll continue to follow this storyline as things develop with the Bears and their offseason training program.
