Tag: NFL Offseason

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: UConn OT Matt Peart

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts UConn offensive tackle Matt Peart, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at UConn offensive tackle Matt Peart.

Honors and Awards

  • First-team All-American Athletic Conference (2019)

Highlights

Strengths

  • NFL frame with outstanding arm length to initiate contact.

  • Quick initial set-up to cut off speed. Resets quickly to recover-and-counter after a rusher’s first punch/move.

  • Displays bounce in his feet to stay coordinated mid-shuffle – his hoops background is evident, rarely giving up the corner.

  • Good lateral quickness and able to race ahead of the pack on pull blocks and screens.
  • Good reactive athleticism to recover when beaten around the edge

  • Keeps his balance through contact and stays off the ground.

  • Rolls hips and drives his legs to uproot defenders as a run blocker.

  • Four years as starter at both left and right tackle.

Weaknesses

  • Play strength needs continued development. Not a powerful tackle and won’t generate much push as in-line blocker.

  • Technique is a work-in-progress.

  • Not a natural knee-bender, leading to pads and hips tending to rise off the snap.

  • Inconsistent hands, creating awkward positioning and allowing rushers to get inside his frame and bully him backwards. Shoots hands too soon.

  • Needs to do a better job locking out and sitting in his stance to maintain spacing.

  • Allows defenders to rip through his edge.

Summary

Peart, a four-year starter at UConn, is a good athlete that boasts terrific length. The 6-foot-5 and 310 pound tackle doesn’t have overwhelming power to dominate his opponents, but he quickly finds his landmarks and uses his natural movement skills, base and length to keep rushers busy. He is a plus run blocker, especially on stretch plays. The bottom line is that Peart isn’t an overpowering blocker, but he gets in the way and finds ways to keep defenders occupied, projecting as an eventual starter once his hand technique and functional strength improve.

Chargers Fit

Peart needs to add strength and work on his technique if he wishes to reach his play potential. But once he gets stronger and develops more of a mean streak, which shouldn’t take long, he has the physical traits to slide in at right tackle and start. That could come as soon as Week 1, Week 9 in his first year as a pro or Year 2.

Projection: Early-Mid 3rd

Chargers predicted to trade for QB Cam Newton

The Los Angeles Chargers could stir some excitement by acquiring the 30-year quarterback this offseason.

With the Los Angeles Chargers facing uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the 2020 season, many are wondering the route the team could go to fill the void.

There’s been the projections of L.A. using an early draft pick on a signal-caller in mock drafts, signing a free agent like Tom Brady, but one outlet they could go that hasn’t been brought up in discussion is through a trade.

One notable quarterback that could be a hot commodity on the trading block is Panthers’ Cam Newton.

Knowing the Chargers will be in the market for someone to take over under center (if Philip Rivers isn’t re-signed) and Newton likely to garner attention via trade, The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia sees this as a perfect pairing.

We’ll see whether Matt Rhule wants Newton back, but at this point, it seems likely he’s played his last game in Carolina. If Newton is available, and the Chargers move on from Rivers, he could make a lot of sense as their next quarterback. The Chargers were not as bad as their 5-11 record last year suggests. They were 2-9 in one-possession games. They’ve got a talented defense and can open their new stadium with the promise of Newton firing lasers to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Newton’s health is obviously a huge question, but the Chargers with him at quarterback could be a fun, entertaining team.

After nine seasons as Carolina’s starting quarterback, 2019 likely marked the last for the former Auburn product. The Panthers, who have undergone a coaching staff makeover, could see this as an opportunity to move on and start fresh with their quarterback of choice.

That wouldn’t be the only reason why it would make sense for Carolina to attempt a trade. Newton is under contract for another year, and the team would be saving $19 million if they were to let him go.

Trading for Newton does come with some concern. He suffered a foot injury during a 2019 preseason game, and after struggling through the first two games of the regular season, Newton missed the remainder of the campaign and was forced to get surgery.

But when Newton was healthy, he guided the team to three division titles, four playoff berths in eight seasons, and a trip to the Super Bowl.

In nine seasons, Newton has amassed 29,041 passing yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions. On the ground, he has compiled 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns on 934 carries.

The Chargers have talent at the skill positions and on defense. The offensive line wasn’t great, but it will likely be remodeled this offseason. This is a team that’s far better from a 5-11 record, and with a quarterback that has Newton’s skillset, they could quickly turn things around.

Also, as the Bolts move into a brand-new stadium this year, Newton would not only provide an upgrade under center, but he would supply some badly needed buzz. The 30-year old’s weekly wardrobes would do wonders in the City of Angels.

The bottom line is that trading for Newton could come with some risk, but if the medicals are clean and he is 100% healthy, acquiring him could pay huge dividends as he would supply the Chargers with a much-needed dual-threat quarterback who could help them get back into contention, while adding some excitement to the roster.

2020 NFL offseason: Important dates for Bills in February

Unfortunately the NFL season typically concludes in early February each year. After that, things go silent for the Bills and the rest of the league. But not for long. There’s a little action… eventually. Here’s a full rundown of some NFL action …

Unfortunately the NFL season typically concludes in early February each year.

After that, things go silent for the Bills and the rest of the league.

But not for long. There’s a little action… eventually.

Here’s a full rundown of some NFL action that’ll happen this month:

Feb. 3: Waiver system begins for 2020.

Feb. 11: Beginning at 12:00 p.m ET, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed… (Think Duke Williams).

Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.

Feb. 25: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition players.

[lawrence-related id=54771,54763,54755,54745]

2020 NFL offseason calendar: Important dates for Los Angeles Rams

All of the important dates to know on the 2020 offseason calendar for the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams have been in offseason mode for about a month now after missing the playoffs for the first time since Sean McVay was hired in 2017. That’s far different than the way things played out last year when their offseason didn’t start until early February after they went all the way to Super Bowl LIII.

The Senior Bowl is already in the rearview mirror and the NFL Scouting Combine is rapidly approaching, as is free agency. There are a lot of dates on the offseason calendar, so we’ve compiled all of the ones to know here, courtesy of the NFL Operations site.

Keep this list handy because it’ll be important to know when free agency begins, how long the Rams have to use the franchise tag and when minicamps can begin.

February

  • Feb. 3: Waiver system begins for 2020.
  • Feb. 11: Beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed.
  • Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • Feb. 25: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March

  • March 10: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
  • March 16-18: Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2019 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 18.
  • March 18
    • Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2020 on all players who have option clauses in their 2019 contracts.
    • Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
    • Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2019 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
    • Top 51 Rule begins. All clubs must be under the 2020 Salary Cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
    • All 2019 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
    • The 2020 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
    • The first day of the 2020 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 18. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 18.
    • Trading period for 2020 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2019 contracts.
  • March 29-April 1: Annual League Meeting, Palm Beach, Florida.

April

  • April 6: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2019 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
  • April 17: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
  • April 20: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
  • April 23-25: NFL Draft, Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • April 27: Beginning this date, NFL clubs may request permission to visit with, try out, or sign any player who was under contract to the XFL at the conclusion of the XFL season.

May

  • May 1-4: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
  • May 5: Deadline for prior club to send “May 5 Tender” to its unsigned Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not signed a player contract with a club by July 22 or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later, he may negotiate or sign a player contract from that date until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, only with his prior club.
  • May 8-11: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
  • May 11: Rookie Football Development Programs begin.
  • May 14-17: NFLPA Rookie Premiere. Invited rookies (typically, first- and/or second-round selections) must be permitted by their respective clubs to attend. Such players are unavailable for offseason workouts, OTA days, and minicamps during this period.
  • May 19-20: Spring League Meeting, Marina Del Ray, California.

June

  • June 1: Deadline for prior club to send “June 1 Tender” to its unsigned Restricted Free Agents who received a qualifying offer for a right of first refusal only in order for such player to be subject to the CBA’s “June 15 Tender” provision.
  • June 15: Deadline for club to withdraw qualifying offer to Restricted Free Agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting “June 15 Tender” of one-year contract at 110 percent of the player’s prior-year Paragraph 5 Salary (with all other terms of his prior-year contract carried forward unchanged).
  • Late June: Rookie Transition Program to be held at individual clubs.

July

  • July 15: At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a oneyear contract with his prior club for the 2020 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.
  • Mid-July
    • Clubs are permitted to open preseason training camp for rookies beginning seven days prior to the club’s earliest permissible mandatory reporting date for veteran players.
    • Veteran players (defined as a player with at least one pension-credited season) other than quarterbacks or “injured players” (as defined in CBA Article 21, Section 6) may report to a club’s preseason training camp no earlier than 15 days prior to the club’s first scheduled preseason game or July 15, whichever is later.
    • Veteran quarterbacks and injured players may be required to report to the club’s preseason training camp no earlier than five days immediately prior to the mandatory reporting date for all other veteran players, provided the club has already opened (or simultaneously opens) its official preseason training camp for all rookies and first-year players
    • A three-day acclimation period will apply to players who are on a club’s roster up to and including the mandatory veteran reporting date. Players who rejoin the roster after that date may practice (including wearing pads) and play immediately after passing a physical.
  • July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later.): Signing period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom a “May 5 Tender” was made by prior club. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.
  • July 22: Signing period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.

August

  • August 6: Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio.
  • August 6-9: Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio.
  • August 11
    • Deadline for players under contract to report to their clubs to earn an accrued season for free agency.
    • If a drafted rookie has not signed with his club by this date, he cannot be traded to any other club in 2020, and may sign a player contract only with the drafting club until the day of the Draft in the 2021 league year.

September

  • Sept. 5
    • Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
    • Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/NonFootball Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.
  • Sept. 6
    • Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at 12:00 noon, New York time.
    • Upon receipt of the Personnel Notice at approximately 1:00 p.m., New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of 10 players (clubs participating in the International Player Development Program may sign one additional international player to a Practice Player Contract.) No club, including the player’s prior club, will be permitted to sign a player to a practice player contract until all clubs have received simultaneous notification via the above Personnel Notice that such player’s prior NFL player contract has been terminated via the waiver system.
  • Sept. 10: At 12:00 a.m., New York time, the Top 51 Rule expires for all NFL clubs.
  • Sept. 10, 13-14: Regular Season Week 1.

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: TCU OT Lucas Niang

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang, a potential Los Angeles Chargers prospect, under the microscope.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang.

Honors and Awards

  • 2018 Pro Football Focus First-Team All-Big 12 (2018)
  • 2018 Second-Team All-Big 12 (2018)

Strengths

  • Certainly looks the part. Big, athletic frame carrying more than 320 pounds with ease. Vine-like arms and large hands.
  • Natural mobility for a man of his size. Gets range immediately off the snap. Ideal foot quickness in pass protection.
  • Able to mirror and counter stunts, twists or blitzes. Uses quick feet and hips to turn and recover when beaten. Secures combo block with a vengeance.
  • Combines upper & lower-body power and arm extension to consistently hold the point of attack. Adept at redirecting his body and striking moving targets.
  • Ascending mauler in the run game. Once he gets his hands and grip on defenders, he usually sustains and finishes to create lanes.
  • Mean and highly competitive. Toughness is evident. Played through hip injury in 2019 before getting surgery.

Weaknesses

  • Footwork can get sloppy and undisciplined, causing base to narrow.
  • Relies too heavily on length over feet. Pad level rises at contact, robbing him of optimal leverage.
  • Knocked off balance by power pass rushers due to poor balance during deep sets and inconsistent footwork.
  • Suffered hip injury during senior campaign that caused him to miss the last half of the season.

Summary

Niang, the 6-foot-6 and 336 pounder is an ascending offensive tackle prospect with the frame, foot quickness, mobility and range that NFL teams don’t pass up for very long. The Connecticut native will need to be much more consistent with his pass set technique, particularly his footwork, rather than just relying on his athleticism and physical tools, as well as making sure he can stay healthy if he is to reach his full potential in the pros.

Chargers Fit

All of Niang’s snaps for the Horned Frogs came at right tackle. The former TCU product would be a plug-and-play for Los Angeles over Sam Tevi in Year 1. Improving his footwork upon getting to the league and consistently staying healthy will be key.

Projected Round: Early-Mid Second

2020 NFL offseason: Important dates for Chargers in February

With the Super Bowl completed, here are all the key offseason dates for the Chargers remaining in the month of February.

With the conclusion of Super Bowl LIV, the offseason is in full swing.

The Los Angeles Chargers begin their process to building a roster that can hopefully get them to Super LV.

Even though there isn’t a lot of notables taking place in February, it’s still important to keep up with some of the dates throughout the month that have some value.

Here’s a glance:

Feb. 3: Waiver system begins for 2020.

Feb. 11: Beginning at 12:00 p.m ET, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed.

Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.

Feb. 25: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition players.

Report: Chargers expected to pursue QB Tom Brady if he becomes free agent

The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to pursue quarterback Tom Brady this offseason.

There’s been murmurs of quarterback Tom Brady being a potential option for the Los Angeles Chargers for months now.

It appears that could be a real possibility.

The Chargers have emerged as a legitimate option for Brady if he leaves the New England Patriots this offseason, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

There’s a big question mark surrounding the Bolts’ quarterback situation. Like Brady, Philip Rivers is set to become a free agent after a season where he threw 20 interceptions, contributing to nine of their 11 losses that were determined by a touchdown or less.

The 38-year old has said that he would like to play next season, but where remains to be seen. L.A. hasn’t officially closed the door on Rivers and they’re still exploring all options at the position.

Los Angeles could appeal to Brady because he would like to join a team that has weapons on the offensive side of the ball. He would have wide receiver Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler and tight end Hunter Henry – if they’re retained.

Other teams besides the Chargers are likely to show a lot of interest in Brady should he hit the open market, too. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Las Vegas Raiders plan to pursue the 42-year old.

While other franchises are expected to pursue the three-time MVP, the New England Patriots are going to push hard to re-sign him, which could include paying him slightly north of $30 million annually to keep him.

Report: Chargers’ Anthony Lynn signs multi-year extension

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn’s job is secured for a few more years.

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed coach Anthony Lynn to a multi-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Lynn was entering the final year of his current deal, so the extension serves as a measure of security as the Chargers are set to enter their new stadium this year.

Schefter reports that Lynn signed the extension shortly before the Super Bowl.

During his three seasons with the Bolts, Lynn has a 26-22 record, including one trip to the playoffs. The 2019 regular season marked Lynn’s first campaign under a .500 record.

Even though things didn’t go as anticipated for the Chargers this past season, it’s hard to fault the coaching staff after injuries to key players, including safety Derwin James, offensive tackle Russell Okung and tight end Hunter Henry depleted the roster right out the gate.

With the majority of the talent on roster staying intact and a good amount of salary cap space available to spend on free agents, there’s plenty of reason that Lynn and company can turn things around next season.

3 biggest offseason storylines for the Chargers

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out three of the biggest offseason storylines for the Los Angeles Chargers.

As the final days of the 2019 season wind down, it’s almost time to officially shift the spotlight toward the offseason.

With that, here are the three storylines that will dominate for the Chargers leading up into it:

What’s in store for the quarterback position?

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Could the 2020 regular season mark the first time that the Chargers have a different starting quarterback since 2006? With Philip Rivers set to be an unrestricted free agent, it’s very possible that Los Angeles could have a new signal-caller.

Rivers has suggested that he still wants to play, but that he was still going to go over his options with his family when the season concluded. The 38-year old is coming off a year where he tossed 20 interceptions.

Though he was plagued by inconsistency on the offensive line, his arm strength and decision-making was still questionable, drawing some questions in regards to whether or not he can still play at a high level next season and beyond.

Should the Bolts decide to move on from Rivers, Tyrod Taylor would likely begin Week 1 as the starting quarterback and the bridge to the rookie – assuming they choose to take one in the early rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, with options at the top like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert or Jordan Love.

No matter what route they go, the Chargers need to determine what their future is going to look like there at the position.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Important offseason dates NFL fans should know

When is the NFL draft? When does NFL free agency start? Here are the important offseason dates that fans should know.

The NFL’s offseason won’t truly begin until after Super Bowl LIV but for teams that didn’t make the playoffs (and for teams that have been knocked out of the playoffs), the offseason has already started.

The Denver Broncos, for example, have already signed 15 players to reserve/future contracts. Those players will officially join the team’s 90-man offseason roster when the new league year begins in March.

Many more transactions will happen this spring, most notable through NFL free agency and the NFL draft. Here are the dates for free agency, the draft and every other notable offseason event on the NFL’s calendar, courtesy of the league’s communications department.

Jan. 11-12 Divisional Playoffs.
Jan. 12 Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that won their Wild Card games may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of Divisional Playoff games.
Jan. 17 Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2020 College Draft will be sent to clubs on January 21.
Jan. 18 East-West Shrine Bowl, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California.
Jan. 19 AFC and NFC Championship Games.
Jan. 25 Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
Jan. 26 NFL Pro Bowl.
An assistant coach, whose team is participating in the Super Bowl, who has previously interviewed for another club’s head coaching job may have a second interview with such club no later than the Sunday preceding the Super Bowl.
FEBRUARY
Feb. 2 Super Bowl LIV, Hard Rock Stadium, South Florida.
Feb. 3 Waiver system begins for 2020.
Feb. 11 Beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed.
Feb. 24-March 2 NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Feb. 25 First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
MARCH
March 10 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 16-18 Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2019 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 18.
March 18 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2020 on all players who have option clauses in their 2019 contracts.
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2019 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
Top 51 Rule begins. All clubs must be under the 2020 Salary Cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
All 2019 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
The 2020 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
The first day of the 2020 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 18. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 18.
Trading period for 2020 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2019 contracts.
March 29-April 1 Annual League Meeting, Palm Beach, Florida.
APRIL
April 6 Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2019 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 17 Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
April 20 Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 23-25 NFL Draft, Las Vegas, Nevada.
April 27 Beginning this date, NFL clubs may request permission to visit with, try out, or sign any player who was under contract to the XFL at the conclusion of the XFL season.
MAY
May 1-4 Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
May 5 Deadline for prior club to send “May 5 Tender” to its unsigned Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not signed a player contract with a club by July 22 or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later, he may negotiate or sign a player contract from that date until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, only with his prior club.
May 8-11 Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
May 11 Rookie Football Development Programs begin.
May 14-17 NFLPA Rookie Premiere. Invited rookies (typically, first- and/or second-round selections) must be permitted by their respective clubs to attend. Such players are unavailable for offseason workouts, OTA days, and minicamps during this period.
May 19-20 Spring League Meeting, Marina Del Ray, California.
JUNE
June 1 Deadline for prior club to send “June 1 Tender” to its unsigned Restricted Free Agents who received a qualifying offer for a right of first refusal only in order for such player to be subject to the CBA’s “June 15 Tender” provision.
June 15 Deadline for club to withdraw qualifying offer to Restricted Free Agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting “June 15 Tender” of one-year contract at 110 percent of the player’s prior-year Paragraph 5 Salary (with all other terms of his prior-year contract carried forward unchanged).
Late June Rookie Transition Program to be held at individual clubs.
JULY
July 15 At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a oneyear contract with his prior club for the 2020 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.
Mid-July Clubs are permitted to open preseason training camp for rookies beginning seven days prior to the club’s earliest permissible mandatory reporting date for veteran players.

Veteran players (defined as a player with at least one pension-credited season) other than quarterbacks or “injured players” (as defined in CBA Article 21, Section 6) may report to a club’s preseason training camp no earlier than 15 days prior to the club’s first scheduled preseason game or July 15, whichever is later.

Veteran quarterbacks and injured players may be required to report to the club’s preseason training camp no earlier than five days immediately prior to the mandatory reporting date for all other veteran players, provided the club has already opened (or simultaneously opens) its official preseason training camp for all rookies and first-year players

A three-day acclimation period will apply to players who are on a club’s roster up to and including the mandatory veteran reporting date. Players who rejoin the roster after that date may practice (including wearing pads) and play immediately after passing a physical.
July 22* Signing period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom a “May 5 Tender” was made by prior club. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.

* or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later.
July 22 Signing period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.
AUGUST
August 6 Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio.
August 6-9 Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio.
August 11 Deadline for players under contract to report to their clubs to earn an accrued season for free agency.
If a drafted rookie has not signed with his club by this date, he cannot be traded to any other club in 2020, and may sign a player contract only with the drafting club until the day of the Draft in the 2021 league year.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 5 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/NonFootball Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.
Sept. 6 Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at 12:00 noon, New York time.
Upon receipt of the Personnel Notice at approximately 1:00 p.m., New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of 10 players (clubs participating in the International Player Development Program may sign one additional international player to a Practice Player Contract.) No club, including the player’s prior club, will be permitted to sign a player to a practice player contract until all clubs have received simultaneous notification via the above Personnel Notice that such player’s prior NFL player contract has been terminated via the waiver system.

[vertical-gallery id=627411]