As the pens sign the final collective bargaining agreement, the 2011 NFL Lockout comes to a close — something that everyone has been waiting for and is anxious to see. But once the drama is over, the question is simple: what now? Fans have learned what to expect as the long NFL offseason draws out over a typical spring and summer, but what should fans expect of the abbreviated offseason right now? Luckily, we have your answers here.
Chiefs fans should be excited to know that training camp should begin on Thursday although that might be pushed back once official announcements are made. The Chiefs website has announced an official press conference early tomorrow morning at 8:30am CT, and it’s assumed that training camp announcements will be discussed then.
As for player movement, trades can begin tomorrow as can negotiations with unrestricted free agents — although they cannot be signed yet. Teams can also resign their own free agents, so Chiefs FA like Shaun Smith or Ron Edwards might be signed then.
Friend and former editor of SBNKC Joel Thorman recently put out a succinct list worth checking out at SB Nation’s main football page:
Tuesday:
NFL will release the official list of 2011 free agents.
Team facilities will open for players to come in and train, condition and work with the coaching staff. This will be voluntary.
Trades can also begin on this day.
At 10:00 a.m. (ET), teams can sign their own rookies and undrafted free agents. They can negotiate with, but not sign, their own free agents -- unrestricted, restricted and exclusive rights. They can also negotiate with franchise players. They can also negotiate with, but not sign, other teams free agents -- unrestricted, restricted and franchise players.
Thursday:
Teams can begin to waive or cut their own players.
Friday
At 6:00 p.m. (ET), teams can extend the contracts of players under contract, sign their own unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents and franchise players. They can also sign other teams' unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents and franchise players.