NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear that he wants a longer NFL season.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell feels that the current 16-game NFL season isn't long enough-- and change might be coming soon. According to Barry Wilner, there are a lot of things that have to fall into place before such changes can be made.
There are several hurdles before the league can expand its regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games, including reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players union. Still, the commissioner hopes to present a proposal to the owners in May after the matter was discussed at length this week at the owners meetings.
One reason behind Goodell's desire for more games is establish more "meaningful" games. But if 16 games doesn't produce enough meaningful games, wouldn't shortening the season provide more meaningful games? With less games, there would be more importance in every game. But with more games, there will be a lot more games for TV, more ticket sales and just a whole lot more football.
The preseason has been the biggest problem for Goodell since becoming commissioner since 2006. There have been many concerns from fans that feel that the preseason is way too long, and they want more regular season games. If that's what Goodell wants in terms of meaningful games, wouldn't it just be easier to shorten the preseason instead of adding more regular season games?
The preseason could be cut to only three games and the NFL season can move up one week. But that also brings up a lot of different ideas if the NFL were to expand one or two games.
Among the issues team owners must discuss is when the regular season would begin, how deep into February the playoffs and Super Bowl would go, and when the offseason programs—including the combine and the draft—would be held.
With the idea of moving the NFL Draft to February, that's a lot of change for the NFL that could happen in the upcoming years. Even though fans do want more NFL regular season games, would it realistically work out? That's something that we have to prepare for in the future.
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Matt Maiocco is reporting that free agent Marvel Smith and the 49ers are very close to a contract agreement. Smith visited the 49ers last week and has been mulling over a contract offer from the team. The team is in need of a solid right tackle and Smith would eventually be the full-time starter if he does join the 49ers.
Also, Maiocco is reporting that guard Tony Wragge has just agreed to a new contract extension that keeps him through the 2010 season. He might regain his starting role in the near future as guard David Baas's contract ends at the end of the season. Second year guard Chilo Rachal finished the season as the team's starting right guard.
Comments
I remember a couple of years ago, they were talking about expanding the season, with each team playing a neutral site game overseas as part of the season. Hopefully, that is not part of the plan this time. But, unless they make one of them a neutral site game, it has to go to 18 to keep a home and away balance.
This smells of a money grab.
Money grab for sure! We gotta get all the TV time, ticket sales, merchandise sales up! It's the NFL and they want money!
Eighteen games is the only way to go to keep the balance, but would players be willing to play two extra games with less preseason time?
cud also mean the nfl will increase the size of the team rosters cuz more games potentially cud mean more injured players...but i would think a 17-18 game season plus playoffs must be brutal for the players who really take a pounding week after week...
Players are so used to playing a certain amount of games all their career. Their body is accustomed to it. Now they have to play less preseason games and more regular season games. That's a huge adjustment.
why not 18 games with an extra bye week? one in the first half of the season, one in the second half? i dont know, i think its fine just the way it is.
Of course it is! The Vets may be happy with it but what about the rookies and undrafted players trying to make the team? they're are under pressure. The same with the Coaches. Mistakes are made under duress.You might cut a future HOF! MAYBE!
thats easy to say when you're watching the game from your sofa every week. some of the ex-players sports commentators don't think its a good idea.
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