The NFL never sleeps and the offseason seems to be a misnomer.
After all, there are still a lot of things going on before the actual season starts.
Once the previous season officially ends, it won’t be long before the calendar year for the upcoming campaign starts.
By then, pending free agents are free from their contractual obligations and are free to negotiate with teams.
Free agency dominates the early part of the offseason and the shift gradually changes to the Scouting Combine.
After assessing the top prospects, teams proceed to the draft itself before conducting contract negotiations with their rookies.
Then there’s the voluntary OTAs and training camp before the preseason games.
Finally, the season returns from September to February, culminating in the Super Bowl.
It’s a cycle that never ends and the frequency of updates every day makes NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo ponder about the offseason’s length.
Calendar wise the shortest, yes. But feel wise, it’s been an eternity.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 18, 2022
When asked if the 2022 offseason is the shortest because of the extra game, Garafolo said, “Calendar wise the shortest, yes. But feel wise, it’s been an eternity.”
Garafolo must have felt that way because of the frantic pace of updates and transactions over the last few months when no games were being played.
However, there are occasional slow news days wherein guys like Garafolo have to find something to write about.
It’s those moments that make it seem like an eternity.
The Offseason Moves Along
The NFL’s 2022 calendar year proceeds with training camp as the rookies of the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders report to their respective squads on Monday.
A bunch of teams will start their camp on July 26, which is the latest day for the start.
From there, the activity picks up as teams whittle down their rosters to the final 53 players.
Tune-up games will commence not long after and the season’s kickoff is just around the corner.
Football fans will find it hard to contain their excitement as the first game between the Bills and the Los Angeles Rams nears.
NEXT: Former Cowboys QB Comments On Dak Prescott's Potential