Earlier this offseason, commissioner Roger Goodell made clear his vision for a revamped NFL calendar including 18 regular season games and the Super Bowl landing on Presidents’ Day weekend. With players understanding the support in place amongst most owners, talks between the league and union have begun. 
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell said in a Monday press availability that discussions have taken place on an informal level regarding the expansion of the regular season schedule. That update comes as little surprise, given the expectation amongst players that negotiations could begin relatively soon. The current CBA runs through 2030, but amendments (including potential expansion of the season) could be worked out well before that point.
“We have talked at a very, very, very high level superficially, with a recognition… about, ‘Yeah, this is something that we should be talking about. And we should really kick the tires and understand what else goes into that decision-making process,’” Howell said (via Mark Maske of the Washington Post). “Where does the 18th game come from?
“I think the foregone conclusion is well, you just grab it, like, in what would otherwise be [preseason games] in August. You play it forward. But these are details that really need to be fleshed out. But, again, there are other economic, health and safety matters that also need to be clear to our members before there’s ever an agreement about an 18th game.”
Howell recently spoke about the issues which the NFLPA would attempt to land concessions on in exchange for expanding the season from 17 games to 18. Matters such as bye weeks, playing surfaces, travel (particularly with respect to international games) and overall compensation will be talking points once formal negotiations take place. Howell added upcoming meetings with players will provide further opportunity to discuss the core issues which will need to be addressed for an 18-game slate to be agreed to.
A number of owners have voiced support for such a move, including Jerry Jones. Many have considered CBA amendments allowing for an expanded schedule to be an inevitability after the 2020 agreement paved the way for a move from 16 games to 17. Stephen Jones, COO of the Cowboys, recently spoke on that point.
“I’m on the competition committee. We’ve talked about this knowing that it’s probably inevitable,” Jones said during an appearance on The Athletic’s Scoop City podcast. “I do know, at the end of the day, the players enjoy the compensation that’s coming their way, and they get, for the most part, half of every revenue dollar that comes through the door. So certainly getting paid well. We all know when we go to 18 games, our revenue’s going to jump, and certainly [that] should only help in terms of money available to pay players and get players the compensation.”
Plenty of time remains under the current terms of the CBA for negotiations to take place and a formal agreement to be reached. Given the eagerness shown on the part of the owners and Howell’s willingness to engage in early dialogue, though, it would not come as a surprise if traction were to be gained in the relatively near future.
I hope the HoF holds stats earned during different eras of football separate from each other. Absolutely, some WR will pass Jerry Rice’s numbers, but that shouldn’t take away from his records for nearly 30 years. Same for sacks and all of the other major stats that we junkies love.
I have no problem with more games and international games, but remember the generations that built up the game to this new level.
Fair point, but the fans whose lives revolve around Fantasy Stats don’t care. It’s all about the points they get now.
How about Jim Brown’s 12,312 yards rushing in 12 and 14-game seasons?
There is also a matter of context. Brown is probably the greatest ever, but I’m not sure he’d even get drafted today.
Football isn’t really a HOF type of game. Baseball stats are sacred. In FB, I think it is more about recognizing a player’s greatness.
Headline is a miss-print.
SHOULD READ:
NFL, NFLPA Discussing 38 – Game Season !!
18th game is just another preseason game that the NFL can charge fans and broadcasters more money for.
The quality of the product is already atrocious, why not make more money off of it.
They convert a pre season game to a regular season not add a pre season… if you don’t enjoy or have interest don’t watch. I don’t watch TV shows or doing things I lack interest in whether it is highly praised or bashed.
NFLPA will prolly ask for a 2nd bye week, one less preseason game, expanded 53 man roster, expanded practice squad, extra IR spot(s), and they will prolly want a cut of the revenue. Plus you don’t know how they will manage the off season.
The PA will get what they want, which is why FB is advancing quicker than baseball. When you’re partners, you focus on the top line. When you’re adversaries, you argue over money in the couch cushions.
When I pass away I don’t want my kids arguing over money in the couch cushions. I have a Buick and rose bushes set aside in the will 🙂
This is also likely why players are trying to get extensions done. If you add another meaningful game you have to expect pay increase.
I think the players would be seeking extensions even if they were told the league is going back to a 16 game schedule. Everyone knows how hard it is for millionaires to keep up with the cost of living 🙂