Clayton: The NFL cancels events, making this week really quiet

Traditionally, the days prior to the July 4th holiday are quietest time of the NFL offseason. Remember, the NFL doesn’t really have an “off” season. Something usually happens daily.

Except for Friday’s opt out deadline that does involve Aaron Rodgers, this week should be quieter than normal. More things started shutting down because of the pandemic.

On Tuesday, the NFL cancelled any plans for a supplemental draft. That happened last year, but everything was shut down because of COVID-19.

A supplemental draft is usually scheduled for mid-July. College players who were kicked out of school or had their status change for whatever reason can go into the supplemental draft and be able to play in the NFL by the fall. To do that, the NFL has to assemble enough staffer to conduct a seven-round draft. Teams have to have their general manager and scouts to see if they are going to invest a draft.

The other thing is getting workouts and medicals on supplemental candidates. All of that has been scrapped.

What happens next is supplemental candidates have to apply for the regular 2022 draft. Unless they can find a new school or a way to get back on the field, they will not play football this year and have to wait until April 2022 to see if they can get into the NFL.

On Tuesday, the NFL cancelled its officiating exchange with the CFL. This program which started in 2016 gives officials from both leagues the chance to gain more experience. But the border affected by COVID-19, this exchange won’t happen.

I’m also guessing NFL officials won’t assemble in Dallas for their July camp. Officials get up to date on rule changes and get in shape. No announcement has come out on that but I can’t see that happening.

Transactions will be minimal this week. No veteran signing appeared on the waiver wire Monday. While a few draft choices might sign don’t expect a lot.

In the meantime, we’ll wait until Friday to see if Rodgers is going to opt out of the season.

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