Thrown around as a talking point before the 17-game schedule took effect, the prospect of two bye weeks is back on the table thanks to the early negotiations for an 18-game slate. Roger Goodell said recently the prospect of a two-bye season will be in play if another regular-season expansion comes to fruition.
“A lot of that depends on — can we continue to make the game safer, can we continue to modify the way we conduct the offseason as well as the training camp and as well as the season, so that these guys feel comfortable being able to play that period of time,” Goodell said of an expansion to 18 games, something that has become a trending topic in 2024.
It is believed TV networks nixed a double-bye setup for the 17-game season, as the league’s 1993 effort — the only two-bye season to date — provided what the NFL’s broadcast partners viewed as a diluted schedule. For the NFLPA to back a move to 18 during a CBA that prevents the schedule from expanding again, it is likely the NFL and its TV partners will need to give in on the second bye week. Should that be one of the league’s concessions to the union in the ongoing push for 18 games, a schedule that would start one week earlier and run through Presidents Day weekend would be on tap.
Here is the latest from around the NFL:
- As Goodell previously mentioned a move to 16 international games per season could commence at some point, the veteran commissioner noted he wants to push the slate from five to eight international contests “quickly.” The NFL will play a game in Madrid next season, and Dublin, Rio de Janeiro and Abu Dhabi have come up as potential international hosts. Ditto Sweden, France and Australia. The league currently features an eight-game max as far as international outings go; it is safe to expect that number to rise in the coming years, especially if the NFL’s push for an 18-game season is successful.
- Fifteen of the top 17 most accurate field goal kickers in NFL history have played during the 2020s, with Mike Vanderjagt and Nate Kaeding the only outliers. The league is seeing 60-yard field goal makes occur at greater rates, with 50-plus-yarders becoming routine for many. As a result, an interesting conversation could take place. A competition committee discussion (via The Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi) is expected to take place during the 2025 offseason. The posts presently sit 18 feet, 6 inches apart and 10 feet off the ground. Altering those dimensions would be a radical change, though the NFL showed a willingness to explore special teams adjustments via its dynamic kickoff trial run. That said, veteran NFL exec Troy Vincent does not expect (via the Washington Post’s Mark Maske) an immediate change.
- While Josh Harris‘ Commanders sale price was believed to be $6.05 billion, Maske and Post colleague Nicki Jhabvala indicate the actual number will likely come in at $5.85 billion. That is still an American sports-record number, breaking Rob Walton‘s Broncos purchase ($4.65 billion) from 2022. A $200MM deferred payment exists in Harris’ agreement, one based on revenue markers Maske and Jhabvala indicate the franchise is unlikely to hit. Harris’ group needed to bring in more than a dozen investors to buy the team, and the current owners feared Amazon founder (and Post owner) Jeff Bezos would indeed swoop in with an offer the Harris-led group could not match. Bezos bowing out of the running, not submitting an official bid for rival Dan Snyder‘s franchise, cleared the way for Harris’ purchase.
The current NFL goal post configuration provides an area of about 647 sq ft for kickers attempting FGs but the design is poor. A better design would be a ring with a radius of 14 ft. That would reduce the effective scoring area to about 615 sq ft.
Or maybe they don’t make that change. The posts have been the same for years and there is no reason to change them. Kickers have finally developed leg strength and the ability. If we were talking 70-80 yard field goals then yes let’s discuss changes. But that is unlikely to happen. So what if a 65 yarder is within reach. For some kickers. For others anything over 50 is a 50/50 gamble at best.
All my life, I’ve heard every complain about dealing with jet lag going to coast to coast; now they’ll play in the mideast?
What would be the point of changing the goals posts? To punish kickers for evolving and getting better/stronger? What would be the desired result? More punts? More punts equals more punt returns which likely results in increased injuries.
It’s hilarious the article states 15 of the top 17 most accurate kickers of all time have played during the 2020s. Meanwhile 9 of the top 10 all time passing yard leaders played at some point in the 2010s. I don’t see the league changing rules to make it harder for QBs. Oh wait they changed the rules to make it much easier for them.