The Facts:
For NFL fans, the Scouting Combine is typically viewed as the kickoff of the offseason in February, the draft is the offseason’s halftime in April, and the start of training camp is when football is back upon us at the end of July. But that could change in future years. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the NFL is considering changes to its off-season calendar that would move the Combine to March, the start of free agency to April and the draft to May. The NFL is also considering having all 32 teams start training camp on the same day.
Reported by Profootballtalk.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
According to Schefter, the idea is to lengthen the offseason and make football relevant over a longer period with one big event each month. Schefter also noted that moving the draft to May would put it in the TV ratings sweeps. More ratings equal more money. As PFT's Michael David Smith notes, the players’ union would have to approve such a radical change to the calendar, but the NFL may be able to persuade the players to buy in with an argument that it would increase revenue — some of which is shared with the players. Smith added: "It’s worth wondering whether the owners are also thinking that moving back the offseason could give them more breathing room if they expand the regular season to 18 games and move the Super Bowl from early February to late February. ..." Our initial take is "why not?" Seems like everybody makes out on this deal. Whatever the case, it's safe to say we'll be hearing more about this.
Profile
Home
