Remember when the Houston Texans traded receiver DeAndre Hopkins, signed safety Eric Murray, and let defensive tackle D.J. Reader get away to the Cincinnati Bengals?
Technically, these and all other transactions in the NFL over the last 48 hours aren’t yet official.
In a statement from Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien, no NFL team, including the Texans, are able to execute the agreed-upon contracts until the players have completed a physical and actually signed the agreement.
“In accordance with NFL policies, the Houston Texans have been prohibited from making any official announcements regarding free agent signings or trades until the player has safely completed a physical and signed a contract,” O’Brien said in a statement Wednesday. “Given the difficult and unprecedented circumstances engulfing the world right now, the health and safety of our communities is our foremost concern.”
However, O’Brien did say they are excited to welcome new members to the Texans, but in the meantime, the organization will, “do our best to keep fans informed, while keeping football in its proper perspective.”
Until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eases up on its recommendations for social distancing to mitigate against the COVID-19 outbreak, NFL teams won’t be able to meet with the players to finalize the contracts.
