The Cleveland Browns were poised to be able to gather in person as a team in the next phase of the offseason activities as soon as the end of this week, but it will have to wait. The NFL extended the virtual workout period must extend to May 29th, an extension of two weeks beyond the former scheduled end of this Friday.
As a result, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will not be able to work with the team in person just yet. Stefanski and the players will continue to meet via teleconferencing apps, with the players scattered all over the country.
Normally the Browns would be entering Phase 2 of the offseason plan. Those activities include positional drills and work with coaches. Phase 3, which includes full team drills and supervised contact and the mandatory minicamp, is also delayed until at least June.
In a memo to all 32 NFL clubs, the league stipulated that “all offseason workout programs must conclude by June 26.” The Browns are in the fourth week of their virtual offseason program, which included a rookie minicamp conducted remotely.