NEWSLETTER
As cancellations and postponements rolled in throughout the sports world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL appeared ready to operate as if it was business as usual.
And why not? Games weren’t in session. Practices and organized team activities were months away on the football calendar. There was no need to make a dramatic leap. However, as we know, things can change quickly in a fluid situation — and the NFL is no different.
Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) reports the NFL is considering pushing back the start of free agency, which was scheduled to open at 11 a.m. on Monday. At the core of the possible postponement is the league’s desire to wait out the voting for the Collective Bargaining Agreement. A league source who reached out to Florio suggested waiting until after the players’ CBA vote (due by 10:59 p.m. CT on Saturday) to possibly avoid additional delays in voting.
That said, there is also a COVID-19 aspect in play here, as Florio notes the NFL is “keenly aware of the optics of players agreeing to terms on multi-million dollar deals while the rest of the nation is adjusting to what will still be as of next week the early days of the coronavirus crisis.”
It’s a valid point from Florio. Because even though there are no games or practices, the opening of free agency always features players meeting with teams, physical exams taking place, and press conferences with crowds of reporters, photographers, and multi-media content producers on hand for new player introductions. Those types of things can’t happen if teams are shutting down facilities in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19. I can understand why the NFL would consider pushing back the free agent process if possible.
This week has brought a surprising turn of events to our lives. And while sports have always been there in times like these, this is different. From a logical perspective – one that goes beyond whatever negotiations will take place with regards to the CBA – it might be best if the league kicks the can down the road on the start of free agency. It would be a bummer, sure. Free agent open season is one of my favorite times of the year. But I can totally understand why it could be a good idea to delay the start of the process until a better time.
