NFL offseason: Key dates and what they mean for the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy have a crucial offseason ahead of them that will include sorting their options at quarterback. The next few months will present new challenges for the Bears and other NFL teams as some league events are undergoing major changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NFL and NFLPA agreed on a tentative 2021 offseason schedule in November, according to NFL Network, with the understanding that dates are subject to change because of the pandemic. Here’s a rundown of those dates and deadlines, as they stand, and what they mean for the Bears.
Jan. 30: Reese’s Senior Bowl
What to know: The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl were canceled because of COVID-19, but the Senior Bowl will be played in Mobile, Ala. With the limitations NFL scouting staffs have faced in evaluating college talent, including changes to next month’s scouting combine, the Senior Bowl will be a key opportunity to look at prospects in person.
Jan. 31: Pro Bowl special
What to know: The Pro Bowl, originally scheduled to be played in Las Vegas this year, was canceled because of COVID-19. Instead, the NFL and EA Sports are pairing to create a weeklong lineup of matchups on “Madden NFL 21 1/4 u2033 using the Pro Bowl rosters. On Jan. 31, Pro Bowl-themed shows will air on ABC/ESPN from 2-4 p.m. and on NFL Network from 4-5 p.m. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson were the only Bears named to the Pro Bowl this season.
Feb. 7: Super Bowl LV
What to know: The NFL announced Friday that 22,000 fans will be present at the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The league said it will host 7,500 vaccinated health care workers as its guests at the game. The opening media night on Feb. 1 is listed as a virtual event, while the NFL Honors presentations are set for Feb. 6 from 8-10 p.m. on CBS.
Multiple dates: Virtual NFL scouting combine
What to know: The NFL sent a memo to teams Monday detailing changes to how they will gather the information usually collected at the scouting combine in Indianapolis every year. That event will not be held in person. Instead, prospect workouts will be conducted at pro days on college campuses. Teams will conduct interviews virtually. And medical evaluations will be done virtually with team medical staff, accompanied by local lab testing, or, for select prospects, in person in early April at a league-selected location.
Feb. 23-March 9: Franchise/transition player designation period
What to know: This is a notable deadline for the Bears this year because of wide receiver Allen Robinson’s contract situation. If the Bears can’t work out an extension with Robinson, they could use the franchise tag to keep their best offensive player on board. While Robinson indicated he would prefer not to be tagged, Ryan Pace said “everything is on the table” when asked if the franchise tag was an option.
March 17: New league year begins
What to know: Teams may sign free agents and finish trades when the league year begins at 3 p.m. Some of the most notable Bears who will become unrestricted free agents if they don’t work out a deal before this deadline are wide receiver Allen Robinson, quarterback Mitch Trubisky, kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, kicker Cairo Santos, safety Tashaun Gipson and offensive lineman Germain Ifedi.
April 19: Offseason workouts with returning head coaches may begin
What to know: Teams with new head coaches can start workouts April 5, while the rest of the league starts April 19. Because of COVID-19, NFL teams did not hold in-person offseason workouts in 2020 until players reported to training camp. With the league’s COVID-19 protocols in place for the entire 2020 season, it will be worth watching to see how the league handles the 2021 offseason program. NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said recently the union is expecting another virtual offseason.
April 23 and 28: Last day of restricted free agent signing period and last day to match offer sheets for restricted free agents
What to know: Among the Bears who are restricted free agents are kicker Eddy Pineiro and offensive lineman Rashaad Coward.
April 29-May 1: NFL draft
What to know: The draft is scheduled to take place in Cleveland this year. But the NFL successfully navigated a virtual draft last year, so the league and teams should have a good idea of what to expect if they go that route again in 2021. The Bears have the No. 20 pick — unless Ryan Pace engineers a trade up for, say, a quarterback?
TBA: Rest of the offseason program
What to know: In the past, the Bears have released their offseason schedule, including the dates of organized team activities and rookie and veteran minicamps, in February. It remains to be seen if that will be delayed because of league COVID-19 considerations.
