As the 2025 NFL offseason progresses, mandatory minicamps are a critical checkpoint for all 32 teams as they gear up for training camp and the regular season. Governed by the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), mandatory minicamp serves as the only offseason program where attendance is not optional—and the consequences for skipping are costly.
What Is NFL Mandatory Minicamp?
Mandatory minicamp is a three-day session required for all players under contract. Unlike voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), teams can issue fines for unexcused absences. These minicamps typically occur in June and are a cornerstone of offseason preparation.
Key Rules and Format
- Duration: 3 consecutive days
- Optional 4th Day: May be used for travel, physicals, or team meetings
- Practice Limitations:
- Teams may hold a maximum of two on-field sessions per day
- Only one session per day may be a full-speed practice
- Second sessions must be walk-throughs
- Live contact is prohibited
This format allows coaches to install core elements of the playbook on both offense and defense, evaluate player conditioning, and begin forming the foundation of the 53-man roster.
Who Is Required to Attend?
All players under active contract are required to attend. This includes veterans, rookies, and players on franchise tags who have signed their tenders. However:
- Unsigned players (such as franchise-tagged players who have not signed their tender or free agents) are not obligated to attend and cannot be fined.
- Players recovering from injuries may be excused with appropriate medical clearance.
Financial Penalties for Skipping
Players who miss mandatory minicamp without team approval face escalating fines:
- Day 1: $16,953
- Day 2: $33,908
- Day 3: $50,855
- Total for three days: $101,716
These fines are not discretionary and are enforced according to league policy.
Purpose and Impact
Mandatory minicamp is a pivotal moment for teams to:
- Evaluate returning veterans alongside rookies
- Begin implementing strategic systems
- Assess physical and mental readiness of the roster
For players on the edge of roster contention, it can be a make-or-break moment, and for established stars, it signals the beginning of serious preparation for the season ahead.
Final Word
While mandatory minicamp is only a few days long, its role in team-building, strategy installation, and player evaluation is essential. With penalties in place and roster spots on the line, attendance and performance during these sessions offer a strong preview of the season to come.
For fans, it’s also the first real look at how teams are shaping up before training camp kicks off in late July.
