The Arizona Cardinals, along with several other NFL teams, have opted to reduce the number of offseason OTAs (organized team activities) for the upcoming year. While each team is allowed to host up to ten voluntary OTAs during Phase Three of the offseason, the Cardinals will only hold six this year, aligning with a broader trend across the league where many teams are cutting back on in-person training sessions. This change reflects the growing player advocacy for reduced offseason workloads, a sentiment that seems to resonate with many coaches who recognize the need for a balance between preparation and player welfare.
This year's schedule reveals that just eight teams will utilize the full ten OTAs, with six teams planning for nine. Notably, three teams have scheduled only two days for mandatory minicamps, and one has only one day planned. These adjustments highlight a significant shift in how teams approach preseason training, moving towards prioritizing player recovery and minimizing the risk of injury over extended practice sessions.