Coronavirus is affecting all parts of life, and sports is no exception. After the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NCAA postponed their respective sporting events, some questioned whether the NFL will push back the start of the free agency. However, the league has sent out memos stating that free agency will start on time. Tom Pelissero first reported the news.
The NFL just sent a memo to clubs saying the league year will start on time, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2020
NFL Free Agency Expected to Start on Schedule
Traveling in any capacity obviously carries some risk, but most of the free agency process can be accomplished without having to get on a plane. Most of the superstars don’t even visit the facility prior to reaching an agreement with the team, and contracts can be signed via fax. The only real hurdle is that smaller free agents typically visit facilities to determine if a player is a good fit, both from a personnel and culture standpoint. However, these types of moves apparently aren’t worth delaying the entire free agency process. Free agents presumably won’t travel this year, so teams are going to have to take some more risks in this 2020’s free agency cycle.
Mark Maske notes that there is a “higher probability” that offseason workouts are delayed becuase of the Coronavirus. This one obviously makes sense, as players, coaches, and media alike are required to travel large distances and possibly transmit the disease. However, there is a long time between now and the start of offseason workouts, so the NFL doesn’t have to make a decision on this quite yet. If the virus can be contained, then the NFL might be able to start their offseason workouts without any type of delay.
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