After spending several days immersed in the NFL realm, one takeaway stands out prominently. The drive towards an 18-game regular season persists, despite concerns for player health and safety.
This inclination surfaced during discussions with Browns General Manager Andrew Berry, who proposed extending the trade deadline by 14 days, aligning it with the anticipated expansion of the regular season to 18 games. While this shift hasn’t occurred yet, indications suggest it’s on the horizon.
The prospect of an 18-game season likely hinges on the next labor agreement. The league’s past resolve to pursue this expansion, even amid player resistance, suggests it remains a priority.
While players stand to benefit financially from additional games, questions linger about the toll on their bodies. Suggestions such as limiting player appearances in the additional games have been floated, underscoring the delicate balance between revenue growth and player well-being.
Despite these considerations, the NFL has compelling motives for expansion. It means more revenue streams from TV deals and betting activities, enriching team owners and bolstering the league’s financial position.
Inevitably, the NFL seems poised for an 18-game regular season, accompanied by a reduced preseason. The next question will be whether the league eventually aims for a 20-game season, foregoing preseason games altogether.
