There have been negotiations between the NFL and the NFLPA over a new collective bargaining agreement to move games from 16 to 17 during the regular season.  However, some NFL owners hope members of the NFLPA vote against the proposed collective bargaining agreement so they can pitch an 18-game regular season instead.

In a meeting in February, owners reportedly spoke out on expanding the schedule to 18 games to commissioner Roger Goodell. If the 17-game proposal doesn't pass, then the 18-game proposal can possibly come up in future negotiations next week.

Via Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report:

“They think they can get a better deal next year,” a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler for a report published Saturday. “They feel they gave up too much on the economics.”

There have already been many players going against the 17 game proposal such as Aaron Rodgers, J.J. Watt, Russell Wilson, and Richard Sherman.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ¡
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) exits the field after losing 24-17 to the New York Jets in their home opener.
Steelers rumors: NFL analyst suggests Will Levis trade with TitansBenjamin Adducchio ¡

Many players don't want the season to expand to 17 games because of concerns over their health and safety. However, many veterans such as Ryan Fitzpatrick are voting yes because many of the issues players raised are addressed in the proposal.

Nevertheless, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith already expressed that he's confident the deal will pass. If the deal passes, the 17th regular-season game will not start until the 2021 season. Players will have until Thursday to cast their votes on the proposed CBA.

Â