The NFL has eliminated its annual Rookie Symposium and replaced it with a mandate for each team to conduct a similar exercise at local facilities, the league announced Tuesday.

The new Rookie Transition Program will be expanded to include all first-year players, whether they were drafted or signed as rookie free agents. The previous symposium, held at a centralized location for all 32 teams, was open only to drafted players.

In a statement, NFL vice president of player engagement Charles Way said teams will be able to customize their program to match franchise tradition and market specifics.

"By shifting the model to the clubs from a centrally located program exclusive to drafted rookies," Way said, "we can reach all of our rookies, introduce them to resources in their community, and afford them the experience from active and former players at their club who successfully transitioned into the NFL."