NFL Offseason Provides Needed Distraction for Sports Fans

by Colin Horan ’21

On March 18, the NFL began its new league year, and with it has come another exciting free agency, a landmark new deal, and first-time changes to draft amidst the Coronavirus outbreak.

So far, the league has spent over 2.3 billion dollars, a $500-million decrease from last year. Cornerbacks commanded this year’s market, bringing in $300 million, the most of any position. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill took home the biggest contract after signing a 4 year- $118 million deal, and the Miami Dolphins was the team that made the biggest splash, spending just under $236 million. This year was filled with notable moves by quarterback quarterbacks, headlined by Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Bucs, and Philip Rivers heading to Indianapolis to join Colts.  This year also had 15 teams use a tag on their player, most notably Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and Titans RB Derrick Henry. Per usual, the offseason contained several trades, but the most notable -and surprising- one sent Houston wide receiver Deandre Hopkins to the Cardinals for seemingly nothing. This year’s free agency looked to be an exciting one from the get go, and it did not disappoint.

On March 15, the NFL Players Association voted to approve the new collective bargaining agreement, a landslide deal that will make sweeping changes in nearly every aspect of the league. Beginning in the 2020 season, each conference will have seven playoff teams, and only the 1st seed will receive a bye. In 2021, the league plans to add a 17th regular season game, and removed one preseason game. Additionally the new deal made some minor changes to roster size, and increased the revenue split for players. Lastly, the deal made some changes to the league’s disciplinary policy, and made changes to drug policy, especially for THC.

Despite not being in-season, the NFL has still had to feel the effects of coronavirus, especially in the upcoming draft. The draft itself has been announced to be entirely virtual, after previously planning on being without an audience. Also, scouts have not been able to meet prospects in person, and instead have been forced to meet over services like FaceTime or Zoom. The league also may be forced to hold games without fans in attendance, as has been the case with several other leagues before their eventual suspension. In these difficult times, the NFL at least has been able to provide some form of diversion for the millions of Americans forced to be without sports.