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Goodell wants to extend NFL seasons to 17 or 18 games
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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.
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