The NFL continues to evaluate potential changes to its regular-season structure, with discussions around expanding the schedule to 18 games gaining traction among team owners.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, however, with the NFL Players Association already raising concerns about the increased injury risk and long-term health impacts an expanded schedule could have on the players.
The topic has remained a central focus during league meetings this week, and several owners have expressed interest in adding an 18th game, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Per The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov, Kraft outlined three conditions that could make the proposal viable while supporting the change on Monday.
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On Tuesday, Jones sided with Kraft and made it clear he supports expanding the schedule, outlining why he believes the change would benefit both the NFL and its players.
“When the ducks quack, feed them. We have that demand for our games, and because of the hard work of the great players we have, we have a great demand,” Jones said. “We should address it, respond to it, and feed it.”
Jones also pointed to the financial incentives tied to a longer schedule, noting that increased revenue would benefit players under the league’s current structure.
“My interpretation of the 18th game would be less preseason games. I like that,” Jones said. “It increases the viability of the financial aspect, more gate and more money for the players as well.”
Jones added that an expanded schedule could also increase player exposure showcasing them in more meaningful games by removing a preseason matchup.
“I think it’s a better application of their careers and talent,” Jones said. “Less preseason, more playing in games that have the right balance of financial reward as well as exposure.”
