The official start of football season is still months away, but the offseason program is almost ready to get rolling.
The NFL, under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, has divided the offseason into three phases, with it all kicking off for the Steelers on April 15 when voluntary workouts begin. It will culminate with the team's mandatory veteran minicamp, which will be held June 11-13.
The dates for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are officially set, beginning May 21 and running through June 6, with a total of 10 voluntary sessions.
In addition, teams can hold a rookie football development program for a seven week period, which can begin on May 13. Teams can also hold a rookie minicamp either the first or second weekend following the draft. That date has yet to be set.
Phase One
Players will return to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex beginning on April 15 for Phase One. This phase, which is a two-week period, is limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only.
Phase Two
The next phase of the program starts on April 29 and runs for a three week period. During this time, according to the NFL, "on-field workouts may include individual player instruction and drills as well as team practice conducted on a 'separates' basis." During this time there is no live contact or team offense vs. team defense going against each other. The Steelers can hold their three-day rookie minicamp during this phase, which can be held either the week or two weeks after the NFL Draft.
Phase Three
Phase Three is OTAs phase, as well as the mandatory minicamp for veteran players. During this time, which officially begins on May 21 for the Steelers and runs for a total of four weeks, the Steelers will hold the 10 OTAs they are permitted to have. There is no live contact during OTAs, but the team can take part in 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills. The team will hold their mandatory veteran minicamp from June 11-13.
The following is the full OTAs schedule:
Tuesday, May 21 – OTA #1
Wednesday, May 22 – OTA #2
Thursday, May 23 – OTA #3
Tuesday, May 28 – OTA #4
Wednesday, May 29 – OTA #5
Thursday, May 30 – OTA #6
Monday, June 3 – OTA #7
Tuesday, June 4 – OTA #8
Wednesday, June 5 – OTA #9
Thursday, June 6 – OTA #10
Steelers Mandatory Minicamp
Tuesday, June 11– Day 1
Wednesday, June 12 – Day 2
Thursday, June 13 – Day 3
