To enhance consistency, league to hire up to 24 full-time refs
NEW YORK — The NFL will hire up to 24 full-time game officials.
The league will begin hiring between 21 and 24 full-time officials from among the current roster of 124 officials for this season. The decision was announced Wednesday.
“We believe this is a great development for NFL officiating overall and ultimately the quality of our game,” said NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. “We share a common goal, which is to make our game as great as it can possibly be, and look forward to working together on this new effort.”
Full-time officials will be hired at each of the seven officiating positions and may serve on each of the 17 officiating crews. They will work collaboratively with their assigned crews, the league officiating staff and the NFL’s footballrelated committees during the offseason.
“NFL officials are always looking to improve, and we believe that additional time, particularly in the offseason, will be positive,” said NFL Referees Association executive director Scott Green.
Al Riveron, the NFL’s new director of officiating, says the move is “about consistency.”
“It will be an improved way to get the message out to our crews, to coaching staffs and the players,” Riveron said. “The officials’ first responsibility will be to us.”
Unlike in most other pro sports, NFL officials have other jobs.
Freeman, Falcons reach $41M deal
On the eve of their first preseason game, the Atlanta Falcons addressed their biggest issue coming into training camp.
Devonta Freeman has a new contract.
The Falcons agreed to a five-year, $41.25 million extension with Freeman, making him the NFL’s highest-paid running back in terms of the overall package. It includes a $15 million signing bonus and $22 million in guaranteed money.
Buffalo’s LeSean McCoy had been the highest-paid back with a five-year, $40 million deal signed in 2015.
Odds and ends
Dallas punter Chris Jones has signed a fouryear contract extension through 2021. … The Indianapolis Colts have released defensive tackle Kendall Langford after he failed a physical. Langford went on the physically unable to perform list as camp opened with an injured knee. … Coach Marvin Lewis was back with the Cincinnati Bengals after missing a practice to have a knee problem checked. Doctors told him that walking would help reduce the swelling. … Prosecutors say domestic violence charges against former San Francisco 49ers corner Tramaine Brock were dropped because of insufficient evidence. … Niners rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom is expected to be released from the hospital a day after being taken off the practice field by ambulance with a concussion.