On Monday afternoon, the NFL announced the workout dates for all 32 teams this offseason. These offseason workouts are meant to keep teams and players on the same page—both physically and mentally—until training camp begins in late July/early August. Teams and players will have several chances to meet and practice together, but with limitations on what the teams can conduct.
Here’s a look at the Detroit Lions’ schedule for the upcoming months:
- First Day: April 9
- Voluntary Minicamp: April 24-26
- OTA Offseason Workouts: May 21-22, May 24, May 30-31, June 11-12, June 14
- Mandatory Minicamp: June 5-7
Things kick of in just a week, as Matt Patricia will get his first look at his players next Monday for the first day of offseason workouts. During this phase of the offseason, teams are really only allowed to do physical conditioning and rehabilitation workouts. Still, it will be a good opportunity for Patricia to finally address his new team.
The Lions also have the benefit of having an additional “Voluntary Minicamp” later this month. Only teams with new head coaches are allowed to schedule a voluntary minicamp, and they must do so before the draft. The Lions are one of seven teams that will hold that extra minicamp this year.
After that, the Lions enter the valuable OTAs or Organized Team Activities portion of the offseason, in which players can finally participate in real team football drills, provided there is no live contract. Then, before you know it, it will late July and it will be time for training camp.
We’re still far away from Lions football, but we’re now a step closer!