The NFL has taken a major step as uncertainty grows around its labor talks with the NFL Referees Association. With the current deal set to expire on May 31, the league has warned teams to prepare for the possibility of replacement officials.

According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL informed clubs that it will begin training replacement referees next month. The plan includes assigning those officials to team activities starting June 1 if no agreement is reached. Teams must also submit their offseason schedules by April 22 to help the league prepare.

“All clubs are required to submit their OTA and mandatory minicamp schedules to the NFL by April 22 so that the league can assign replacement officials to those practices starting June 1, the day after the labor deal is scheduled to expire.” Pelissero posted on X.

The directive signals growing concern within the league. Negotiations between the NFL and the officials’ union have not progressed smoothly, with reports suggesting frustration on both sides. Analysts have indicated that talks are currently in a difficult phase, raising doubts about a timely resolution.

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At the center of the dispute are key structural differences. The NFL wants a system that rewards performance and allows flexibility in assigning top officials to major games. The union, however, prefers to maintain existing structures and limit changes to evaluation and assignment processes.

This standoff has created real uncertainty ahead of offseason programs. Organized team activities and mandatory minicamps could be impacted if replacement officials are needed. While these sessions do not carry the same weight as regular-season games, they are critical for preparation and evaluation.

A similar situation occurred during the NFL referee lockout in 2012

The situation also brings back memories of the 2012 NFL referee lockout, when replacement officials handled games early in the season. That period drew heavy criticism and placed pressure on the league to resolve the dispute quickly.

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League executives, including Troy Vincent, have stressed the need for higher accountability and improved officiating standards.

“Our priority is to have the best officials on the field, a performance-based model,” Vincent said.

The union, meanwhile, remains cautious about sweeping changes.

With the deadline approaching, both sides continue negotiations. The NFL is preparing for all outcomes for now, including a scenario that could disrupt the start of offseason activities.