In the wake of decisions by Broncos and Seahawks players that they will not participate in voluntary offseason workouts, the Bucs have become the third NFL team to release a similar statement, under the advisement of the NFLPA.

A few days ago the NFLPA sent the following letter to players, asking them not to attend voluntary offseason workouts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the vaccine is becoming more readily available around the country, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and president J.C. Tretter cited recent positive tests among players at team facilities as one reason to abstain from voluntary workouts this offseason.

Obviously this would mark the second straight virtual offseason across the league if more teams’ players continue to opt out of voluntary workouts. So far just three teams have done so, with offseason workouts for all 32 teams slated to begin by April 19. The Super Bowl champions will look to recapture last season’s magic in a virtual format until further notice. Considering the Bucs returns all 22 starters from a year ago and has added just one outside free agent to the roster this offseason in RB Giovani Bernard, they will likely be in a better place come training camp than the others teams choosing to opt out at this time.