:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69498386/1292469832.0.jpg)
It’s the early days of the summer news doldrums in the NFL news cycle, but on Wednesday, the NFL shared important dates for the 2022 league year. Specifically, the league year will begin on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, which means the legal tampering period should being on March 14, 2022.
In addition, the league confirmed the dates for the 2022 NFL Draft, though has yet to formally announce where the draft will be held.
The NFLPA sent this notice to agents with 2022 calendar dates, including the start of the free-agent signing period March 16. pic.twitter.com/3RIhn6Wqnf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021
These dates are nearly identical to those of the 2021 league year. In addition, while no formal location for the draft was noted, it is widely believed that the league will hold it in Las Vegas, which had been set to host the 2020 draft that was held virtually due to the pandemic.
Wednesday also saw the league make other announcements, including additional protections for vaccinated players when it comes to their paychecks.
The NFL and NFLPA also agreed to more benefits for fully vaccinated players, including allowing them to collect per-game roster bonuses even if they miss a game because of a “breakthrough case.” From today’s memo to clubs: pic.twitter.com/E44E1NUsC1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021
Basically, it appears the league and the union understand that the path with the highest probability of generating the fewest missed games for players is for as many players as possible to be vaccinated, and certainly appear to be doing what they can to incentivize players to get the shot.