Big changes could be on the horizon for how the offseason works in the NFL, at least that is what the NFLPA is hoping for.
First reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pellissero, the proposal that is going to be introduced by the NFLPA would eliminate voluntary on-field work in the spring in favor of a longer training camp ramp-up, with players reporting in mid-June to early July.
However, that is not going over well with many players around the NFL, including a veteran defensive lineman on the Cleveland Browns.
“I’m so confused how they are trying to twist this into saying players want to start camp at the end of June,” DT Shelby Harris said on X. “Nobody wants anything to do with this change.”
Harris was not done there, as the veteran defensive tackle who is entering his 10th season in the NFL strongly opposes the change. Harris is entering his second season with the Browns after signing a two-year deal in free agency to stick with the team through the 2025 season.
If a change were to happen, it would have to be agreed to by team owners and something that it could play a role in the NFL going to 18 games in the regular season. Going from 17 games to 18 games seems inevitable and a matter of when.
Training camp is a gauntlet in its own right in getting ready for the NFL season, so lasting in parts of three months seems like a bit much. Though, much of the early part of the game would be a ramp-up of strength and conditioning. As it currently stands, players normally have a lot of June and into late July off as a time to get away. With the change, it would make May more of the off month for all.
Players aren’t going to have a ton of say in what happens here with the OTAs. For players like Harris who have been doing this the same way for a long time, it may be a bit harder to change things and change how they prepare for the season.
If it comes to fruition, the earliest the change can happen is 2025. Between now and any establishment of the changes, expect plenty of back and forth.
