The Washington Redskins became the first NFL team to suspend all upcoming travel for coaches and scouts Thursday due to concerns about the coronavirus. Other teams like the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills soon announced the same procedures.
Washington also canceled its pre-draft meetings with prospects at the team’s facility in Ashburn, a source told The Washington Times.
The Redskins made their decision as the NFL told multiple outlets it had no plans to push back the start of free agency next week. The league’s new year officially begins March 18 and teams can start negotiating with free agents two days before that.
“The health and safety of our staff and players is our number one priority and we feel that these are the necessary precautions given the current circumstances,” Redskins owner Dan Snyder said in a statement.
Before Thursday’s announcement, the Redskins had already been adjusting their schedule because of the threat of coronavirus. The team canceled an event in Richmond where coach Ron Rivera was supposed to give a press conference and tour the team’s training camp facility. It also postponed a fan event at FedEx Field.
The Philadelphia Eagles went as far as to close its facilities and instruct employees to work from home, with a few exceptions.
While the NFL season ended last month, this is a particularly busy time of year for scouts, coaches and executives. For example, it’s common for teams to travel to college towns to attend the pro days of upcoming draft prospects. Clemson, for instance, held its pro day Thursday and multiple NFL teams, such as the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots, were on hand.
Players and agents also travel to meet teams during free agency as they negotiate contracts with teams. That work can be done remotely, and sometimes deals are agreed upon without even meeting in person. Last year, Landon Collins agreed to join the Redskins on a six-year, $84 million deal before meeting Snyder and the front office.
On Twitter, prominent agent Mike McCartney, whose clients include Kirk Cousins, said he strongly recommended his players don’t travel for team visits. Teams can host up to 30 prospects before the draft.
“With 12 or more games played, an All-Star game and Combine for most, teams have enough information to make an informed draft decision,” McCartney said.
The NFL has yet to announce if it will make any changes to next month’s draft in Las Vegas, a three-day event that starts April 23.
Other sports spent Thursday postponing and canceling events due to concerns over coronavirus. The NHL suspended its regular season, Major League Baseball suspended spring training and delayed the start of its regular season and the NCAA canceled the national men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
While free agency and the draft may be unaffected, the NFL announced the cancelation of its spring owners meetings that were scheduled to take place later this month in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments, consult with leading experts and be prepared to make any changes necessary as circumstances warrant,” the NFL said.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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