A collection of everything you need to know about 2025 Detroit Lions OTAs.
Detroit Lions kick off Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Wednesday, which is a somewhat significant marker on the NFL offseason calendar. For players, it’s the first time offense and defense can come together and compete against each other. And for media and fans, it’s the first time we’ll get a sneak peek at the entire team competing against each other.
But I often see a lot of confusion around OTAs, so consider this a full explainer or Frequently Asked Questions of what OTAs are—and what it means for the Detroit Lions.
When are Lions 2025 OTAs?
Lions OTAs begin on Wednesday, May 28. Detroit will have three straight days of practice, running through Friday. Their second week of OTAs run from Tuesday, June 3 through Thursday, June 5. Unlike previous seasons, the Lions will only conduct those two weeks of OTAs and will not have a mandatory minicamp, either. Or, more simply:
- May 28-30; June 3-5
Why did the Lions cut short their OTA program and cancel mandatory minicamp?
While we have not heard from the Lions directly on this, the general assumption is that this was in reaction to being selected to play in the Hall of Fame preseason game this year. Detroit will then have an extra preseason game (four instead of three), and they’ll likely start training camp up to a week earlier than most teams in order to prepare.
So (presumably) to accommodate a longer preseason and training camp, they shortened their spring program.
When will media have access to practice?
While we are not allowed to directly reveal Detroit’s media schedule, access is restricted to once per week. Media will be able to watch two of Detroit’s six OTA practices. Dan Campbell is expected to speak ahead of both practices.
Are OTAs mandatory?
No. Only mandatory minicamp is required for players to show up at or potentially face a fine. That said, several players have offseason workout bonuses that may require them to show up in order to earn it. DJ Reader, for example, explained that part of the reason he’s been part of Detroit’s offseason program is the $200,000 he’s earning just by attending.
“I got a workout bonus. I’m not in the interest of, like, giving money back,” Reader said with a smile on his face last week.
However, for many veterans, they prefer to spend their offseason working out with trainers they trust that can keep them close to loved ones. Alex Anzalone is a great example of that. Last year he skipped out on OTAs, and it appears he has not been a part of Detroit’s offseason program to date.
What’s the difference between “offseason program” and OTAs?
OTAs are the third and final phase of a team’s offseason program. During Phase 1 and 2, teams are very restricted in what kind of on-field work they can do. In the first phase, it’s pretty much all just strength and conditioning, with quarterbacks also able to throw to receivers with no coverage. The second phase, coaches can join on the field and teams can split into position groups and run drills. Offense vs. defense drills are still not permitted.
But during Phase 3—which consists of OTAs and mandatory minicamp—the entire team can come together, and run offense vs. defense drills like 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s.
What restrictions do teams have during OTAs?
A lot of them.
For one, teams are still not fully padded. A helmet, as well as knee and elbow pads are allowed, but teams are not in shoulder pads.
Additionally, there is no “live contact” allowed. No tackle, not full-contact offensive line vs. defensive line drills (including pass rush/pass protection drills). As the official NFLPA guide says, “the intensity and tempo of drills should be at a level conducive to learning, with player safety as the highest priority.”
Finally, players are restricted to six hours a day during the OTA program—with a maximum of two hours on the field.
For more detailed rules on OTA rules you can check out the Collective Bargaining Agreement here.
Hey, didn’t the Lions break those rules one time?
Yes. In 2024, the Lions were forced to forfeit one OTA practice due to an NFLPA complaint . The specifics of that incident were not made public, but the Lions offered this statement.
“On Friday evening the organization was made aware by the NFL and NFLPA that Organized Team Activities (OTA) practices held the week of May 27 violated player work rules pertaining to on-field physical contact pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.”