Arizona Cardinals open voluntary minicamp to kick off Phase 2

While the entire NFL is focused on the 2026 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals quietly had a transition in their offseason program. On Tuesday, they moved from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the offseason program and began a three-day voluntary minicamp for veteran players.

Because the Cardinals have a new head coach, they are allowed an extra minicamp in the offseason to help install new systems. These workouts are voluntary, although a number of players on the roster have workout bonuses tied to participation in the offseason program.

But with this minicamp is the move to a new part of the program. The Cardinals now have three weeks of Phase 2.

NFL offseason program: Phase 2 rules

In Phase 2, Phase 1 activities are allowed with some additions.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

That means dead-ball activities continue to be the rule, while means the following:

• Quarterbacks may throw to receivers with no coverage
• Kickers and punters can kick, but there are no snappers or holders, and no players are allowed to field punts or kicks
• Long snappers can snap into a net
• Defensive players are not to catch any balls at all

What else is allowed?

• All coaches can now be on the field.
• Players can now do individual position drills.
• No offense vs. defense is allowed, so receivers run against air. Offensive and defensive linemen lineup against trash cans.

The Cardinals will be in this phase until OTAs begin on May 18, when Phase 3 begins.

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