In a recent conference call Sean Payton was asked about proposals to start an NFL developmental league similar to what is done in the NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL. His response was this:
I’m not in favor of the developmental league. I think you’re going to see an increase [sic] number of practice squad players. The developmental league I think is just a way for more network programming.
Troy Vincent fleshing things out
With the guidance of Troy Vincent, the NFL’s head of football operations, backing from luminaries Tom Coughlin and John Madden and the NFL Players Association seemingly being on board, the idea of a developmental league’s time has come.