NFL teams asking free agents about vaccination status

A player's vaccination status seems to be crucial for free agents looking for new teams.

Agents for multiple free-agent players said clubs are immediately asking if their clients are vaccinated, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, who hasn't played since 2018, said he was denied a tryout recently.

"Had a tryout lined up. (The team) said I can't visit unless I'm vaccinated! Now I'm torn between, tough decision," Pryor wrote Saturday in a since-deleted tweet, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.

Agent Chad Speck said one of his players had to deal with the same issue.

A #NFL team called today interested in working out & signing a free agent client. When they found out he wasn't vaccinated they were no longer interested. The rules the #NFL implemented in reality mandates the vaccine for back end roster type players.

- Chad Speck (@a3Chad) July 24, 2021

Although players aren't required to get the vaccine, the NFL has introduced strict guidelines for unvaccinated individuals.

The league reportedly informed teams this week that any game that can't be rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players will result in the responsible club forfeiting the contest. The NFL said in June that fully vaccinated individuals won't be tested daily and won't have to quarantine after being exposed to the virus.

Several players have questioned the league's updated COVID-19 protocols, including Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Only five teams have yet to reach the NFL's 70% vaccination threshold, and 80% of the league's players are vaccinated, Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, said earlier this week, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.

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