With the NFLPA in disarray, the NFL continues to push for 18 games

The NFL Players Association is currently in disarrayis offering voluntary buyouts for half of its employees ahead of possible, if not likely, layoffs. Coincidentally or not, the NFL is currently ramping up the rhetoric about adding an 18th game to the regular season.

After the NFLPA fielded buyout offers, commissioner Roger Goodell called for a move from 17 regular-season games and three preseason games to 18 and two “a logical step.”

Appearing on ESPN’s Jason Kelce’s Late Night Show over the weekend, Goodell was asked if the regular season would be extended once again.

“I would say I think we probably will because, firstly, I think restructuring and running away from pre-season games is a good thing; I think you agree with that, don’t you?” Goodell said, drawing applause from the live audience. “And secondly, I think we’ve made enough changes to the game — both in the offseason and during the season — from a health and safety standpoint.”

When Goodell first started advocating for 18 games in the regular season more than a decade ago, he focused on the low quality of preseason games to justify sliding down the 20-game slate before the regular season. As more football did not fit into the health and safety league, 18 games became 17.

Now 17 will soon become 18.

NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell he does not resist it. Which of course will make it harder to get the best possible deal for players.

Regardless, more money for the league means more money for the players means more money for the union, which is currently in a cash crunch (thanks in part to breaking the contract with Panini) and would benefit from. say, an increased roster and more union members and more dues to be paid.