NFL sends memo detailing offseason program schedule for 2021

The NFL released a memo to teams Wednesday with a reworked, nine-week offseason schedule.

All of it will be voluntary except for one mandatory mini-camp.

The first phase from April 19 through May 14 will include virtual meetings of up to two hours per day. Team facilities and weight rooms will be open with capacity limits to protect from the spread of COVID-19.

Teams are asked by the NFL to provide vaccines for players, staff and family members during the first phase of the offseason.

A second phase from May 17-21 will include more virtual meetings but also on-field drills with coaches. There won’t be contact allowed.

From May 24 through June 18, NFL teams will have traditional Organized Team Activities for 10 days, which includes full-speed work without contact. In person or virtual meetings will be allowed, and a mandatory mini-camp will be included during this time.

Unlike last offseason, the NFL will allow for rookie mini-camps in the weeks following the 2021 NFL Draft that runs from April 29 through May 1.

The NFL informed clubs it will restructure offseason programs, with Phase 1 extended to four weeks starting Monday, no on-field work until Phase 2 begins May 17 and a normal Phase 3 with four weeks of practice May 24-June 18, culminating with the mandatory minicamp. Memo: pic.twitter.com/GrFhO34jUD

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 14, 2021

Also big news from the memo: Unlike last year, rookie minicamps can be held the first or second week after the draft, followed by a rookie football development program in concert with the start of Phase 2 on May 17. pic.twitter.com/lGIiKMIjpx

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 14, 2021

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