You've got to hand it to the NFL - they're a very forward-thinking league.
Most likely, based off of the immense success of the NFL Draft Combine and after the emergence of regional combines in recent years, the league has decided to start a new version of the combine, this one specifically for veteran free agents.
The succinctly and aptly dubbed "Veteran Combine," which will take place on March 22, will "allow veteran free agents to go through the same kinds of drills and testing draft prospects go through in Indianapolis, with representatives of all 32 clubs on hand," Darin Gantt of NBC Sports reports.
Regional combines have showcased veteran free agents in years past, but now those players will have their own combine at which to present their skills to possible future employers.
Players will apply with the league on a website and approximately 100 will be chosen to appear at the event held in Arizona at the Cardinals' training facility, prior to the owner's meetings in Phoenix, Gantt writes.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes, the date - two weeks after the start of free agency - at first glance seems somewhat odd, but because it will showcase those veteran players yet to have signed with a team on the open market - obviously the guys most needing a platform on which to display their talents to potentially interested clubs - makes sense.
It also makes sense because the NFL is a money-making/grubbing/devouring entity and those forward-thinking executives driving the league know that it's a business first and foremost. Adding another television venue which die-hard fans (like myself) probably can't help but watch, just means more ad revenue and more money to grow the brand.
