The NFL has announced that the 2014 NFL Draft will be moved back two weeks to May 8-10.
“At this time, changes are not anticipated in off-season calendar for 2015 & beyond that would reduce the number of practice days,” according to a statement released by the league.
There’s been buzz that the NFL was preparing to rework their offseason schedule for months now and the league is able to change the date of the draft without the approval of the NFL Players Association. A scheduling conflict at Radio City Music Hall appears to be the main reason why the league explored a new date.
The Scouting Combine could be moved back in the coming years as well, but free agency is expected to start in the early portion of March.
This move will have an impact on veteran players who are unable to secure new contracts in the early portion of free agency. Agents, scouts and NFL front office personnel will also be impacted by the longer offseason.
The NFL points to the fact that this coincides with college graduations, which should allow more rookies to be available for offseason programs, per Albert Breer.
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