NFL delays offseason due to COVID-19. How will it impact Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys?
One of the downsides to the Dallas Cowboys applying the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott after being unable to sign him to a long-term deal on Monday was the possibility of him skipping the offseason program under first-year coach Mike McCarthy.
Prescott would be a likely no show as leverage for continued negotiations on a new deal.
That scenario no longer applies due to offseason changes instituted by the NFL late on Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
All offseason activities such as meetings, practices and minicamps have been delayed indefinitely. No players can enter a club facility through March 31, with the exception of those receiving medical treatment.
The NFL has barred in-person interviews with free agents and is requiring local physical examinations for them rather than team-conducted exams.
The league also banned travel by team personnel to meet with free agents as well as those players traveling to team facilities.
The move was made jointly with the support of the NFL Players Association.
“Based on the most recent guidance provided by leading health officials, and in consultation with the NFLPA and both our and the union’s medical advisors, we believe this is the appropriate way to protect the health of our players, staff, and our communities,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We will continue to make decisions based on the best advice from medical and public health experts and will be prepared to make further modifications as needed.”
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said: “It is our responsibility to work together and protect the health, safety and well being of everyone in our business. Nonetheless, public safety is paramount during this national emergency and we will continue to work with the NFL, medical experts and seek guidance from federal agencies to adjust our business practices accordingly.”
The Cowboys’ offseason program was expected to start April 6 as teams with new coaches were allowed to begin two weeks earlier.
Now, there is a question of whether the Cowboys will have an offseason program at all, considering that OTAs and mini camps in May and June are potentially in jeopardy as well.
Prescott until July 15 to sign a long-term deal with the Cowboys or be forced to play the 2020 season on the franchise tag.
As of now, the leverage of sitting out the start of the offseason program longer applies.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
