Workouts are different this year
A big part of a front office’s duties during the season is to be on their toes, specifically in regard to player workouts. During a usual NFL season, you don’t hear much about free agents working out for a team, because they don’t mean much. Each week, teams have guys in all the time to workout. Beane and other scouts want to stay on top of their abilities in case they’re needed in the future.
Now, it’s different.
Beane explained that teams can’t do this any longer. It’s a COVID-19 safety precaution. Instead of doing so, a front office can only workout someone if there’s an open roster spot. And teams can only bring in one guy at a time.
“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.”
In addition, these guys don’t just sign on the dotted line and play.
Say you play for the Patriots. On Friday, you tested negative for coronavirus in New England. On Saturday, you’re cut. On Sunday, you workout for the Bills and they sign you. This player must still pass multiple tests and wait a few days before heading into an actual practice. Beane said it takes about five days.
“Even when they’re signed, there’s going to be days before they come through our doors because of the protocol,” Beane said.
A good safety measure? Of course. A difficult scenario for Beane & Co.? Certainly. Do not envy them.