The New England Patriots and the rest of the NFL are on to 2019. But while the team’s front office and coaching staff have already been busy practically since the day after its victory in Super Bowl 53, the players not involved in free agency or retirement — looking at you, Rob Gronkowski — have flown under the radar a bit. This all will change in two weeks: New England’s offseason workout program will officially be kicked off on April 15.
The full schedule, as announced by the NFL earlier today, looks as follows:
First Day: April 15
OTA Offseason Workouts: May 20-21, May 23, May 29-30, June 10-11
Mandatory Minicamp: June 4-6
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 3rd to May 6th or May 10th to May 13th). The offseason practice sessions will be held away from the public eye and without pads, all while the team starts implementing some early schematic concepts.
While organized team activities are voluntary, anything but the vast majority of players on the roster being there would be a surprise. Once minicamp starts, all players — including quarterback Tom Brady, who skipped OTAs last year — 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.