The latest on the coronavirus’ impact on Dolphins, National Football League offseason
The Miami Dolphins on Thursday joined the growing list of NFL franchises to temporarily suspend pre-draft travel for all scouts and coaches as the world of football scrambles to address the spiraling coronavirus pandemic.
Furthermore, team employees not deemed critical to operations at Hard Rock Stadium have been advised to work from home starting Friday until further notice.
“The safety of everyone associated with the Miami Dolphins is of the utmost importance,” the team announced in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the situation and take advice from our medical staff and public officials.”
Meanwhile, teams around the NFL are canceling draftee facility visits, the league canceled its annual meeting and the Eagles on Thursday became the first team to shut down their headquarters and stadium.
“Our staff, with limited exceptions, have been instructed to work from home,” team CEO Jeffrey Lurie announced. “We are continuing our preparations for the 2020 season, including free agency and the draft, and will monitor developments as more information becomes available.”
The annual meeting was set to be held in Palm Beach March 29-April 1, with all expected official business delayed until the league’s May meeting in Marina del Rey, California. Coaches and general managers are expected to attend that May conference, the league announced.
“The decision was made consistent with the league’s primary concern to protect the health of club and league employees and the public while enabling the league to continue with its essential business operations,” the NFL said in a statement. “We will continue to closely monitor developments, consult with leading experts and be prepared to make any changed necessary as circumstances warrant.”
Elsewhere, ESPN first reported Thursday afternoon that the league “has no plans to move the start of the league year,” so barring any changes, free agency will begin next Wednesday afternoon.
However, unless travel conditions improve dramatically, teams might be forced to sign players without bringing them in for a visit — and perhaps more importantly, a physical.
The Dolphins, with some $100 million in cap space, are expected to be among the most active teams in free agency. And with a league-best 14 draft picks, they have as much to lose as any franchise by this new development. They travel with small armies to pro days, hoping to glean as much information as possible on draft-eligible players.
One consequential subplot to all of this: How will teams evaluate Tua Tagovailoa, who was supposed to go through his first public workout since his major hip surgery on April 9?
While Tagovailoa could conceivably go through drills that teams could watch via a live stream, it’s not the same as having coaches and scouts observing him first hand. The Dolphins are one of several teams drafting in the top 10 who are considering selecting him.
“As an agent, it’s my strong recommendation that my players don’t travel for any team visits,” said Mike McCartney, a prominent player agent. “With 12 or more games played, an All-Star game and Combine for most, teams have enough information to make an informed draft decision.”
MiamI Herald sportswriter Armando Salguero contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 12:50 PM.
