Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Could NFL training camps begin remotely?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Jul 23, 2020 2:43 PM ET

On Thursday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero tweeted that the NFL is pushing for the NFL Players Association to agree to lower league salary caps for the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to financial hardships suffered amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The NFLPA wants to spread the financial hit through 2030, rather than taking it now. And even a $10 million reduction in the 2020 salary cap would be “too much” at this stage, one GM said. Rosters are largely set. Many teams would be scrambling to free up money somewhere.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2020

Understandably, the NFL is taking a stance similar to one embraced by MLB owners during springtime negotiations with the MLB Players Association. Clubs such as the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants and New York Jets are already planning to potentially host opponents for games played behind closed doors and without fans amid the uncontrolled virus outbreak, and owners are looking for ways to offset financial losses.

Pelissero added that training camps, set to open to Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans rookies on Sunday, could begin remotely as the league and union iron-out details for a unique and unprecedented season.

What happens if there’s no deal by Sunday? The CBA contains a no strike/lockout/suit clause. But with no camp schedule agreed to, the NFL could potentially inform clubs that virtual work will continue indefinitely. A big few days ahead. https://t.co/z523QK73CR
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2020

While no one has set a deadline to account for a projected multibillion-dollar revenue shortfall, NFL owners want to finalize a deal with the NFLPA before Sunday, when #Chiefs and #Texans rookies are scheduled to begin strength and conditioning, sources say.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2020

The Chiefs and Texans are scheduled to open the regular season on Sept. 10.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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