Hours after the NFLPA announced a proposed change to the offseason, Browns veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris expressed his displeasure with the move. According to reports, the NFLPA is considering eliminating OTAs in favor of a longer training camp that could start as early as mid-June. However, Harris stated that this is not what players want.
“I’m so confused how they are trying to twist this into saying players want to start camp the end of June,” Harris wrote on social media. “Nobody wants anything to do with this change.” He also responded to a post by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, stating that coaches and front office executives aren’t pleased with the proposal either. “Players don’t want this either!” Harris added.
It seems likely that many more players share Harris’ sentiment. Why would players want longer training camps when OTAs are voluntary? If there is any benefit here, it would be that mandatory June minicamps would be eliminated, but that’s still a small win for players who only have one mandatory offseason commitment (minicamp) before the start of training camp in late July.
If the NFLPA moves forward with a formal proposal at some point this summer, expect more players to offer their opinions on the matter.
