Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane previously expressed some concern over protocols in place to sign free agents during training camp and the 2020 regular season. The NFL has now reduced some of these restrictions.
During his video conference earlier in training camp, Beane explained clubs weren’t allowed to workout a free agent player unless the team followed very strict guidelines. In a usual season without the COVID-19 pandemic causing their safety protocols, teams could bring in as many free agents for workouts just to see where those guys are at with their game. But as a safety measure, Beane said the league told teams they cannot do so.
“I can’t bring in three linemen in, I can bring one in if we’re at 79 [rostered players],” Beane said. “It makes it very hard.”
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, this restriction has now been loosened by the league and teams can bring in players for for workouts. Previously players could only be brought in for physicals before singing a deal. Despite this previous set of hurdles, the Bills still signed offensive lineman Brian Winters last week.
Moving forward, NFL teams are allowed to workout up to eight players per day. These free agents will not be allowed on the field until passing two negative test results for coronavirus.
While loosening this, teams still have to exercise extreme caution in doing so. In some part of the United States, COVID-19 numbers are still high and can be easily passed from person to person.
[lawrence-related id=68300,68287,68227,68212]