NFL Notes: Veteran Combine, 49ers, Bills, Ravens, & Redskins

Veteran FA Combine

The NFL announced that they will host a Veteran Combine for veteran free agents on March 22 in Arizona, per Ian Rapoport.

• Free agents will take part in the same kinds of drills and testing prospects go through in during the NFL draft combine.
• Representatives of all 32 teams will be on hand for the event.
• Close to 100 players are expected to chosen to appear at the event.

Veteran free agents have fared so poorly in recent years that any steps that allows them to display their ability to NFL teams should be positive.

49ers

• Matt Barrows is hearing that new HC Jim Tomsula will receive a four-year contract.

Bills

• The Bills officially announced Dennis Thurman as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday. (BuffaloBills.com)
• Buffalo also announced the addition of seven assistant coaches including:
  • Bobby April III (LBs)
  • Karl Dunbar (DL)
  • Tim McDonald (DBs)
  • Jason Oszvart (Strength & Conditioning Assistant)
  • Eric Smith (Special Teams Assistant)
  • Tony Sparano Jr. (TEs)
  • Jeff Weeks (Assistant Defensive Line)

Ravens

• Impending free agent TE Owen Daniels said he still has another few years left in him.

“I think I got a couple more [years] in me, at least,” Daniels said, via BaltimoreRavens.com. “I finished out the year as strong as I could.  At my age, that’s not easy to do. But they did a great job taking care of me throughout the season. I train my butt off during the offseason, so I’ll be ready to go and hopefully I’ll be back.”

Redskins

• Jason La Canfora reports that the Redskins will be making a play for Bill Callahan as their OL coach now that Chris Foerster is likely to take a job with the Bills
• According to La Canfora, Washington “covets” Callahan and they could get something in place “pretty quickly.“