NFL, union begin discussions on 18-game schedule

The NFL Players Association has engaged in "high-level" discussions with the NFL about the potential implementation of an 18-game schedule, said union executive director Lloyd Howell, per the Washington Post's Mark Maske.

Discussions have not progressed toward formal negotiations, but Howell will speak with players about the topic in the near future.

"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. "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."

Howell added the NFLPA would be open to possibly adding an 18th game before the league's current collective bargaining agreement expires in 2030. Any change to the length of the season would have to be collectively bargained.

The NFLPA narrowly approved expanding the regular season from 16 to 17 games in 2021, with the voting passing with 51.5% of players in favor.

The addition of another game is expected to be contentious among players, and Howell insisted their interests will need to be satisfied before changes are made.

"Our membership is interested in a myriad of things before we even get to the number of games: health and safety, field surface, OTA makeup, compensation, what percent of their annual compensation is guaranteed," Howell said. "So there are many things before we get to (the) 18th game."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in April he was in favor of moving to an 18-game regular-season schedule, hypothesizing that Super Bowl Sunday could fall on President's Day weekend and the number of preseason games could be reduced from three to two.