NFL: 'No plans' to delay start of free agency

The NFL said Thursday that it has "no plans to move the start of the league year" despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Free agency is scheduled to begin March 18. The legal tampering period for teams and free agents to begin communicating opens March 16.

The coronavirus has derailed sporting events throughout the world in recent days. Several NFL teams began shutting down facilities, grounding draft scouts, and directing employees to work from home Thursday because of the contagious virus.

As an agent, it's my strong recommendation that my players don't travel for any team visits. With 12 or more games played, an All-Star game and Combine for most, teams have enough information to make an informed draft decision.

- Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 12, 2020

Despite stating its desire to stay on schedule, the NFL has contemplated postponing free agency, sources told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who adds the league would likely make an announcement Sunday after players have voted to approve or reject the proposed collective bargaining agreement.

The NFL has already told its staff, aside from those who are "operationally critical," to work from home until further notice, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The league will also cancel its annual meeting, which was set to take place from March 29 to April 1.

As teams prepare for the NFL draft in April, pro days for prospects are being cut down to only essential personnel. Sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo that a number of pre-draft workouts are currently being canceled as well.

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