NFL Commissioner Discusses 18-Game Regular Season Concerns
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently addressed the possibility of expanding the regular season to 18 games before Super Bowl LIX in February. He noted that there’s still “a lot to do” and mentioned he has not yet engaged in formal discussions with the players’ union regarding the additional game.
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton shared his thoughts on the NFL’s shift to a 17-game regular season, which began prior to 2021. He described the notion of adding an 18th game as “unusual,” saying it’s hard to even imagine.
Slayton, who is 28, expressed hope for a few key changes anticipated from the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) if the 18th game becomes a reality. His first request was for adjustments to the NFL’s proven performance escalator. This escalator allows players to increase their salaries based on playtime metrics—specifically, if they play at least 35% of offensive or defensive snaps in their first three seasons.
Although it’s a potential pathway for salary increases, Slayton pointed out that these escalators aren’t guaranteed. General managers can maneuver to take them away, which makes it a bit precarious for players.
“The situation was in a place where escalators can be made,” Slayton remarked, emphasizing that these incentives should be reliable for players striving to earn more in the league. He shared a personal example where he qualified for a wage increase based on such escalators, only to see his pay cut by the Giants’ general manager Joe Shane, which effectively eliminated that opportunity.
Next, Slayton would like to see improvements in revenue sharing when an 18th game is officially added. He mentioned that a minor increase, even 1% to 1.5%, could translate into significant financial benefits, estimating players might currently be at 48.5% revenue share.
Additionally, Slayton has called for greater investment in training staff across NFL teams to better handle the demands of extra games. He believes that proper support is crucial to maintaining players’ physical health over a longer season. “I’m on a team that actually does one of the best jobs in the league,” he said, but acknowledged others might not have the same level of resources.
Interestingly, Slayton doesn’t foresee the league adopting a second bye week, remarking that the logistics of such a change could be complicated. Despite studies indicating an increase in soft tissue injuries after bye weeks, he reiterated that the players’ union needs to advocate for constructive changes that prioritize players’ health if the schedule expands to include an 18th game.
Slayton concluded by emphasizing the need for collective action among players, stating, “It’s going to be us as a player union to fight for what we need.” This sentiment captures the complexity of balancing game expansion with player health and earnings.
Selected by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton has made notable contributions over six seasons, tallying 259 receptions, 3,897 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. He recently re-signed with the Giants on a three-year contract worth $36 million, contributing 39 catches and two touchdowns for 573 yards last season.
