Roger Goodell negotiating new deal with NFL despite previous plans

Roger Goodell attached an end date to his tenure as NFL commissioner when he signed a contract extension several years ago, but it would appear his plans have changed.

Goodell is negotiating yet another contract extension with the NFL’s team owners, Ben Fischer and John Ourand of Sports Business Journal report. The deal, which is expected to be finalized in the coming months, would be Goodell’s fourth contract extension since he was elected commissioner in 2006.

Owners and executives are said to be pleased with the way Goodell has navigated through the pandemic. He also helped the NFL secure massive new media deals last year that total over $100 billion. Goodell is expected to receive “overwhelming support” in his latest extension talks.

Goodell, who will turn 63 on Saturday, last signed a five-year extension in 2017. An NFL spokesperson announced at the time that the commissioner would step aside when the deal expired in 2024. That is no longer the plan.

Goodell has once again found himself having to deal with major controversies, which is something the owners feel he has done well throughout his tenure. The league has come under fire for its lack of transparency in the investigation into workplace misconduct with the Washington Commanders, and owner Daniel Snyder is now facing sexual assault allegations. The NFL will also reportedly investigate serious tanking allegations against Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and is dealing with public backlash over its perceived lack of diversity.

Despite all that, the NFL is as profitable as ever. Goodell has reportedly made more than $60 million in each of the past two years, so you can understand why he is in no rush to leave. Without a clear successor in place, NFL owners would rather stick with the status quo.

Photo: Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the final pick of the 2021 NFL Draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports