NFL opt-out tracker: Titans become 21st team to skip OTAs

The majority of the NFL's teams are banding together to skip the voluntary offseason workouts that are set to begin April 19.

The Denver Broncos became the first club to opt out of the workouts last week, citing concerns over a lack of "adequate protocols" to return safely due to COVID-19.

The New England Patriots joined their peers quickly after Denver's announcement. However, the Patriots noted that "many" but not all players will be absent from voluntary workouts.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers decided to hold their first month of spring activities virtually before their players potentially join others in skipping the voluntary workouts this offseason, a source told Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Packers players with workout bonuses will reportedly be credited for attendance by logging on virtually.

Here is the full list of teams that have chosen to withdraw from the spring workouts:

• Atlanta Falcons
• Baltimore Ravens
• Chicago Bears
• Cleveland Browns
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings
• New England Patriots
• New Orleans Saints
• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tennessee Titans

NFLPA president J.C. Tretter and executive director DeMaurice Smith stressed their desire to eliminate all in-person work before training camp, including mandatory minicamp, in a memo sent to players last week, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The NFL has pushed for a return to in-person work this offseason, even on a limited basis.

The league set out a three-phase schedule for a nine-week offseason program in a memo to teams.

The NFL has laid out its plan for a three-phase offseason program. From a memo to teams today:

Apr 19-May 14: All virtual meetings, weight rooms open

May 17-21: No contact on-field drills allowed, meetings still virtual

May 24-June 18: Ten OTA days plus a mandatory minicamp

- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 14, 2021

The NFL also said it "will make every effort" to have vaccinations available for players, staff, and family members during the first phase of the offseason.

The union has addressed the league's offseason program in a letter to players, stating that the NFL's announcement "does not address any of the concerns raised by the players," according to Pelissero.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.