NFL Moves Along with Coronavirus

In a way, the NFL is fortunate that it’s offseason while all of the other pro leagues are suspending their seasons amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t have to worry about canceling games or worrying about how quickly a virus could spread in a locker room of 53 players and countless coaches and support staff workers.
However, the NFL has not been immune to the effects of the coronavirus with both teams and the league changing plans, much like the rest of the sports world.
The biggest change is that the NFL’s Annual League Meeting has been canceled. This is usually when coaches and general managers from around the league discuss a variety of topics, including potential rule changes, are discussed and voted on.
The meetings were scheduled for March 29 to April 1 in Palm Beach, Fla. But rather than have multiple representatives from all 32 teams converge on one spot amidst the coronavirus crisis, topics on the docket will be tabled until the Spring Meeting in May.
“This decision was made consistent with the league’s primary concern to protect the health of club and league employees and the public while enabling the league to continue with its essential business operations,” the NFL explained in a statement. “We will continue to closely monitor developments, consults with leading experts, and be prepared to make any changes necessary as circumstances warrant.”
The NFL has also decided to cancel both the HBCU Combine and the Regional Combine that were set to take place at the Miami Dolphins’ training facility in South Florida from March 27 to 29. The HBCU Combine would have been the first such combine in which overlooked players from historically black colleges and universities would get their chance in front of NFL scouts.
The Regional Combine, meanwhile, would have given the same opportunity to players who weren’t invited to the official NFL Scouting Combine.
Team Actions
Outside of the NFL’s decision to cancel the Annual League Meeting, several teams took it upon themselves to cancel any travel plans for their coaches and scouts. At least a dozen teams have confirmed that they are telling team personnel to stay home rather than travel to see draft prospects at their respective pro days.
Some teams have also closed their training facilities based on recommendations from health officials. The Atlanta Falcons, for example, have closed their facility until Monday while it receives an extensive cleaning. Meanwhile, several teams are encouraging non-essential employees to work from home.
However, concerns over the coronavirus will not delay the official start of the new league year. The NFL calendar officially flips to 2020 next Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
This is the time when players who aren’t under contract for the 2020 season officially become free agents. Pending free agents may start talking to other teams beginning Monday at noon ET, but Wednesday at 4 p.m. is when deals can formally be made between teams and free agents.
However, it remains to be seen what effect concerns the coronavirus might have on NFL free agency, as most players tend to travel and visit with multiple teams before signing.