With so many businesses and industries rapidly adjusting their operations due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was some thought the NFL would postpone the start of free agency and the legal tampering period. As of 8 a.m., just four hours before teams can start contacting and negotiating with free agents, the NFL was still conducting business as usual.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN on the Golic and Wingo radio program, several NFL team execs have openly complained about the logistics of travel for prospective free agents. With domestic travel severely restricted and large gatherings now taboo, many teams wanted the NFL to delay the onset of free agency. The NFLPA has pushed to keep everything on schedule in the immediate aftermath of approving the new CBA.
Restricted free agents, including Browns RB Kareem Hunt, must get their qualifying offers by Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.