NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell revealed to the Washington Post that the NFLPA had engaged in high-level, but superficial conversations with the NFL about moving from a 17-game schedule to an 18-game schedule in future seasons.
This comes on the heels of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaking ahead of the 2024 NFL draft about envisioning an 18-game season that could culminate with a Super Bowl on President's Day weekend. Howell indicated that the NFLPA would be open to adding an 18th game before the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires after the 2030 NFL season.
That type of significant change happening in a non-CBA negotiation year would be pretty out of the ordinary. This type of discussion shows that it's something both NFL and player leadership are highly interested in.
For Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid, an 18-game schedule is furthest from his mind. He's just concerned about training camp, the upcoming season, and facing the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.
"Whatever they decide to do, they do," Reid said. "I don't have much of a say on it. So, if it goes to 18 games, it goes. I know, this year, it's not going to 18 games. So we're going to try to focus in on these 17 that we've got and try to do the best we can."
However, when it comes to Chiefs player's reactions to the potential of an 18-game season, they seem to welcome the idea. Jawaan Taylor, for instance, suggested that it'd just be another opportunity for him to play the game that he loves so much.
"I love the game," Taylor said. "So, if they add another game, it is what it is. We have to go out there and get another win."
As for third-year RB Isiah Pacheco, his reaction to the potential of an 18-game season was about as ferocious as his signature running style. The response will have anyone ready to sign up for an extra regular season game in the not-so-distant future.
"Bring it on," Pacheco said. "Whatever you've got. We'll play any team, anywhere, any time."
It's reminiscent of Andy Reid's postgame speech after the Week 18 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. . . "Doesn’t matter who’s playing," Reid said. "Anywhere we want to play. CVS parking lot? We’ll play!
