Patriots' 2018 offseason workout dates announced

Just like the rest of the NFL, the New England Patriots are firmly on to 2018. But while the front office and coaching staff have already been busy since the team's Super Bowl loss, the players have flown under the radar a bit. This all will change on April 16, though: The team's offseason workout program will officially be kicked off that day.

The full schedule, as announced by the NFL yesterday, looks as follows:

First day: April 16

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 21-22, May 24, May 30-31, June 11-12, June 14-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 5-7

The workout program will begin off the field with strength and conditioning work before the first series of practices takes place in late May (the team's rookie minicamp will be set before that, either from May 4th to May 7th or May 11th to May 14th). The offseason practice sessions will be held without pads and see the team implement early schematic concepts.

While organized team activities (OTAs) are voluntary, anything but the vast majority of players on the roster being there would be a surprise. Once minicamp starts, all players – including tight end Rob Gronkowski – are mandated to show up. After the conclusion of the final minicamp practices, players are off for a little more than a month before training camp opens in late July.