With the NFL draft now officially one month from Monday, the non-stop offseason action continues with the NFL Annual meeting held this year in Phoenix, Arizona. Okay, with the exception of the Jalen Waddle trade there hasn’t been much to get Broncos Country frothing at the mouth during since that AFC Championship game at Mile High. I wish I could tell you that all changes with these meetings, but… I can’t.
So, what happens at these meetings? Yes, it’s a great photo-op because all the coached and GMs
are in the same place (and usually wearing festive hawaiian shirts. Not just Andy Reid!). In addition to NFL committee meetings (Finance, Broadcast & Media, and Competition), there will be the usual media availabilities, and rule change discussions.
What rules are under consideration?
The Steelers have a proposal to peranately allow teams to have up to five direct contact video/phone calls with prospective free agents during the legal tampering 2-day window. This would also allow for travel arrangements to be immediately made once an agreement in principle is reached instead of waiting for the start of the new league year.
The Cleveland Browns, who refuse to learn just about anyting from this Deshaun Watson debacle as it enters its 4th season, have submitted for league consideration, a proposal to allow teams to trade draft draft picks up to 5-years out instead of the 3-years that teams enjoy now. Imagine the damage that could be done to a team that trades away a half-decade of 1st rounders. Now imagine it’s the Browns… Someone needs to save them from themselves.
The league is also preparing for a labor interruption with the NFL Referee Association CBS expiring at the end of May. We all remember what happened last time there whs a ref labor interruption and it was awful. Let’s hope they can reach an agreement before this becomes reality again.
Those are the ‘biggies’ as far as official business goes. Of course with owners and GMs all gathered in one place, other news will likely shake loose as the meetings progress. Quite frankly, none of these proposed rule changes will make or break my fandom for the game and it’s doubtful to have much of an impact on Broncos Country if they pass or not.
But the Browns? Seriously, save them from themselves. They may not think they need those year 4 and 5 draft picks, but they do. They sure do.
