ESPN will give a new look to the opening of NFL free agency on Thursday, debuting a new show titled "Free Agency Countdown." The digital-only program will be an unscripted, behind-the-scenes look at how deals get done on the busiest day of the offseason. The show will stream live on ESPN3 from 2:00pm ET to a little after 4:00pm, and will also be available for streaming on the ESPN app. While viewers will get a chance to watch front office insiders like Louis Riddick and Bill Polian work the phones to verify signings, the show will truly rest on Adam Schefter's shoulders. ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer Seth Markman said, "This is Adam's Super Bowl, where he truly shines. We look at this as a real forum for him." The show will even include a "Schefter Cam" where fans will see how he goes about collecting inside info from his many league connections. Markman said the net wanted to do something new for this year's initial day of free agency when his team realized they were going head-to-head with several men's basketball conference tournaments. Markman: "We put our heads together to remind ourselves that we serve so many NFL fans on this day, so we kicked around some thoughts to do a real time free agency show." Markman is excited about the show's unpolished and raw nature, noting it will look different from ESPN's more traditional studio programs. Markman: "These guys are trying to break stories. You may hear one of them say, 'Can you make a call on this player, because I’m hearing this and that.' It may not be the most polished TV you've ever seen, but that's okay. You’re going to get a look at how the sausage is made."
SOMETHING NEW: ESPN is hoping to capitalize on fans being able to stream the show on their tablet or laptop, as most may not have access to linear TV in the middle of a weekday. Markman also credits the CFP Megacast over the past couple years for serving as inspiration. If the show proves successful in its initial run, viewers could see elements of the program work their way into the net's other shows like "NFL Insiders" and "NFL Live." Markman notes for now, the net is hoping NFL fans appreciate the look at free agency through a fresh new lens. Markman: "It's okay to do something a little less polished on a day like Thursday." Other ESPN on-air personalities expected to take part in the show include Trey Wingo and Suzy Kolber, who will serve as co-hosts, along with Josina Anderson, Adam Caplan, Ed Werder, Tedy Bruschi and Herm Edwards. Players also could call in to the program for interviews as news breaks throughout the afternoon.
