Carolina Panthers set to begin virtual OTAs next week

The Carolina Panthers will get the opportunity to participate in virtual OTAs next week after an agreement was reached between the NFL and NFLPA.

The Carolina Panthers are set to start their offseason program virtually next week.

New head coach Matt Rhule has devised an online plan for his players to familiarise themselves with the new system being installed in Carolina. This is due to social distancing measures implemented to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading further.

All team facilities were officially closed by the NFL on March 24. But the NFL and NFLPA have now worked out a deal for a digital offseason structure that was finalized on Monday.

This will give the Panthers’ coaching staff a chance to work on various offensive and defensive scheme elements during the initial stages of the program. No decision has been made regarding a possible delay of training camp in an ever-changing situation relating to the coronavirus.

It is also going to give recently acquire players in free agency a chance to get up to speed. Although the restrictions make it difficult to build team chemistry on the field, it does give roster members an opportunity to learn from the comfort of their own home.

No NFL team is required to hold virtual programs as part of the agreement. Those who have returning head coaches can begin their respective programs on April 27 and they must finish by May 15.

Discussions will then take place between league and NFLPA officials on the COVID-19 situation and whether social distancing restrictions can be relaxed.

As part of the new agreement, players can be compensated for home workout equipment up to $1,500 if needed. There will also be compensation for any contractual bonuses they were due.

No on-field practices can take place unless all 32 team facilities are permitted by local, state, and federal government regulations to re-open.

Getting a head start will be beneficial for the Panthers as they look to remain competitive in a difficult-looking NFC South following an offseason of vast changes.

Rhule is eager to get going after a difficult transitional period. But highlighted in a recent interview the need to keep things in perspective during an unprecedented time.

"“I like coaching players, getting to know players … that being said, I think you know when you see what’s happening around the country, it kind of puts into perspective like, ‘Hey Matt stop, don’t feel sorry for yourself”.“If at some point we’re allowed to have connections with our players, if we can be the best that we possibly can be then we become a team that’s stronger. Being a first-year head coach, this is obviously not ideal, but it is what it is and I try not to complain. I miss it, I would like to be around the guys, but at the end of the day, I want them to do what’s right for, not just them, but for them and their families and for me.”"