We now know the dates that we'll next see the New Orleans Saints on an NFL (practice) field.
The league announced start dates for organized team activities and veteran minicamp for all 32 NFL teams. Here's how that broke down for the Saints:
- First day of offseason program: April 20
- OTA 1: May27-29
- OTA 2: June 1-2 & 4
- OTA 3: June 8-9 & 11
- Minicamp: June 16-17
The first three sessions (OTAs) are voluntary, though a high attendance number is expected. The minicamp held in mid-June is mandatory. After minicamp wraps the team will break for roughly a month before the start of the full training camp, which typically begins in late July. The NFL is yet to announce dates for the full training camp. The Saints can also hold a rookie minicamp after the draft, if they so choose.
The Saints have said they intend to hold the majority of camp in Metairie, though the hope is to conduct joint practices if the preseason schedule accommodates. The Saints spent a week of camp in California last year, but hosted several open practices throughout camp. OTAs are closed to the public. Minicamp has traditionally been closes as well, but the team did opt for an open practice last June as they kicked off the Kellen Moore head coaching era.
The NFL's current collective bargaining agreement breaks up the offseason into three phases. The first phase, which begins on April 20 and lasts two weeks, is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning and rehab. Phase two, which lasts three weeks, can also include on-field workouts and walkthroughs. The third phase includes OTAs and minicamp and can include full team drills but no live contact.
