**NFL Commissioner Discusses Potential 18-Game Season Expansion**
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently addressed the possibility of extending the regular season to 18 games ahead of Super Bowl LIX in February. He emphasized that significant work remains before any expansion can occur and noted that he has not yet engaged in formal discussions with the players’ union regarding the addition of another game.
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton expressed his disbelief at the NFL’s decision to implement a 17th game prior to the 2021 season, calling it “insane.” He stated that the idea of an 18th game is even harder for him to comprehend. In light of this potential change, Slayton outlined three key demands he would like to see addressed in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
First, Slayton advocates for a revision of the NFL’s Proven Performance Escalator, which is designed to increase salaries for third- to seventh-round draft picks who meet specific playing time criteria. Currently, players can earn a salary bump if they play at least 35% of offensive or defensive snaps during their first three seasons. However, these increases are not guaranteed, leaving players vulnerable to decisions made by general managers. Slayton, who qualified for the escalator as a fifth-round pick, experienced this firsthand when Giants general manager Joe Schoen required him to take a pay cut, effectively nullifying his escalator.
“The escalator is meant to help players who enter the league at a disadvantage, so it makes no sense that it can be taken away,” Slayton remarked during a recent interview. “If you can earn it, why should it be retractable? It should be guaranteed.”
The second change Slayton seeks involves an adjustment to the revenue share if the NFL moves to an 18-game schedule. He believes that even a modest increase of 1% or 1.5% in revenue sharing could translate to hundreds of millions of dollars, which could significantly benefit players. “That additional 1% is incredibly valuable, and that’s why it’s being held onto so tightly,” he explained.
Lastly, Slayton calls for greater investment from NFL teams in their training staff to better support players in the event of an additional game. He believes that enhanced resources are essential to ensure player health and performance.
As discussions about the potential expansion of the NFL season continue, Slayton’s insights highlight the concerns and demands of players regarding their welfare and compensation.
**FAQ**
**Q: What are the main concerns players have about an 18-game NFL season?**
A: Players, including Darius Slayton, are concerned about the lack of guaranteed salary increases under the Proven Performance Escalator, the need for a fairer revenue share, and the necessity for improved training staff investments to support player health.
