Jets scouts and coaches won’t travel for the foreseeable future as the spread of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, continues to rise, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This comes less than a day after it was reported the Jets wouldn’t restrict their employees from traveling to draft prospects’ Pro Days. The team has yet to make a decision on amending their Top-30 prospect visit process, though, according to the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. That would include prospects traveling to the team facilities for evaluation before the draft.
Schefter also reported that teams discussed shutting down training facilities, which would not only influence Top-30 visits but also how the league handles the beginning of the league year on March 18. However, the NFL said it is not currently planning to change the start of the league year.
Every team in the league had discussed safety measures for the coronavirus as early as Wednesday, according to Yahoo Sports. But only the Steelers, Eagles and Saints had limited travel for coaches and scouts until the Redskins, Giants and Jets suspended all travel Thursday.
There has been no word on if other offseason dates will be changed, but the league said in a statement Monday that it wasn’t planning on changing the offseason schedule – which includes April OTAs and the draft on April 23.
Things could easily change, though. Until then, lots of NFL teams will be in stasis as they get more information from the league and health officials.