What has been hinted at for a long time could soon become reality. According to a report, the NFL is planning to extend the regular season – and this may be implemented sooner than previously thought

The Washington Post has learned that the NFL and the players’ union NFLPA are in concrete talks to extend the regular season to 18 games – one more than at present.

Lloyd Howells, the Executive Director of the NFLPA, told the newspaper about the current status of the negotiations: “We’ve been talking at a very high level, with the realization that yes, this is something we should be talking about. And we should really look into it and understand what else goes into this decision-making process. “

Last details to be clarified – innovation before 2030?

According to the representative of the players’ side, a few variables are still unclear: “When will the 18th game take place? I think the most obvious conclusion is that it will be scheduled around the time when preseason games would otherwise take place in August.”

He continued: “These are details that still need to be worked out. But there are also other economic, health and safety issues that need to be clear to our members before there is an agreement on an 18th game.”

However, the change to 18 games could be introduced sooner than initially thought. Howells doesn’t rule out the possibility that the 18-game calendar could launch before the expiration of the current CBA, the agreement between the NFL owners and the NFLPA union. This expires in 2030.

NFL future: 18 games “inevitable”?

George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, had already commented on the issue: “It’s inevitable that we’re going to have 18 games at some point, right? I’ve been saying that ever since we introduced 17 games: Just give us two bye weeks.”

The veteran continued: “It’s tough to play 18 games. But I don’t have a problem with it as long as we have two bye weeks. “