The Tom Brady Watch is still on schedule.
The NFL said Thursday it has no plans to move the start of the 2020 league year -- set for Wednesday, March 18 at 4 p.m. ET -- due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
That means Brady still will become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday unless the New England Patriots agree to a new contract with the 42-year-old quarterback before then.
The league's legal tampering period also will still begin at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 16, per the league.
Some wondered what measures the NFL would take after the NBA and Major League Soccer both suspended play in the last 24 hours following news that two Utah Jazz players have tested positive for coronavirus.
Several NFL teams have informed coaches and scouts to suspend travel amid the outbreak, which affects preparation for the 2020 NFL Draft and may limit face-to-face meetings between players and teams when free agency begins.
As NFL Network's Tom Pelissero points out, though, league rules already prevent players from meeting with teams in person until Wednesday, and negotiations still can be conducted remotely.
So, while things could change between now and Wednesday, the Patriots still have just three more days with Brady before 31 other teams can approach him (virtually) Monday.