Report: NFL growing more likely to adopt 17-game schedule

The NFL is increasingly likely to get its wish of a 17-game regular season amid ongoing labor talks, according to a report.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported Wednesday that talks between owners and the NFLPA are progressing well, and there is increasing optimism that a new labor deal could be finalized in 2020. That deal is growing more likely to include a 17-game season, with owners willing to make concessions to soothe concerns of players over adding an extra game to the existing schedule.

One concession is likely to relate to player compensation, though it’s unclear what that will entail. There is also no word on what other concessions may be granted to the players in exchange for the expanded schedule.

If a 17-game season does happen, it will be the result of compromise on both sides. Owners originally wanted 18 regular season games, but that was a non-starter with the players’ union. They dropped their demands, and the players now appear willing to meet halfway. The fact that more regular season action may well come at the expense of a preseason game or two doesn’t hurt either.