NFL not delaying start of league year but spring meeting canceled

ByABC News
March 12, 2020, 2:39 PM

The NFL said Thursday it has "no plans to move the start of the league year" as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The league has canceled its spring meetings that were scheduled to be held in West Palm Beach, Florida from March 29 through April 1, sources told ESPN, confirming a report by NFL Network.

Several teams have restricted travel for their coaches and scouts because of the virus. The Washington RedskinsNew York JetsMinnesota VikingsMiami Dolphins and  Tampa Bay Buccaneers were among teams to pull personnel off the road and restrict travel, and sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the Philadelphia Eagles weren't sending their coaches to upcoming pro days.

The Eagles announced Thursday that they were closing Lincoln Financial Field and their training facility effective Friday, per the recommendation of health officials. 

The 2020 league year is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18.

Teams must use their franchise and/or transition tags by 11:59 ET on Monday, and agents for pending free agents will be permitted to talk to other teams beginning Monday at noon ET.

ESPN's Adam Schefter contributed to this report.