While the NFL is still getting used to the 17-game regular season format implemented last season, discussions about expanding it to 18 games are already gaining traction. According to reports, team owners and the NFL Players Association must vote on the change. Still, various factors, including scheduling logistics, player safety, and league revenue, would influence any decision.
Not surprisingly, not every player is a fan of the idea. Adding another week to the regular season increases the risk of injury, a considerable concern in a league built on physicality. Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen was one of the first current players to oppose the possibility of an 18-game slate publicly.
Steelers’ Patrick Queen Clashes With Ex-Teammate Over NFL Schedule Expansion
Joining the conversation, former Steelers offensive tackle Breiden Fehoko went even further. Instead of just adding one more game, he floated the idea of expanding the season to 20 games and completely removing the preseason.
“Scratch all 3 Pre Season games. Go to 20 regular season games. 2 mandatory bye weeks. Go from 53-60 active roster spots. Scratch OTAs and mandatory mini have players report mid July do a 2-3 week workout ramp up. August training camp joint practices. September kick off,” Fehoko tweeted.
That didn’t sit well with Queen, who fired back quickly. He emphasized the importance of preseason games, especially for undrafted or lesser-known players trying to earn a roster spot.
“20??? You crazy if you think ppl will last through that! Pre season is how under the radar players make their cases! We play 17 games we should have 2 bye weeks as is.. Definitely scratch otas and mini camp start training camp back up around July 17.”
20??? You crazy if you think ppl will last through that! Pre season is how under the radar players make their cases! We play 17 games we should have 2 bye weeks as is.. Definitely scratch otas and mini camp start training camp back up around July 17 https://t.co/ZsOAnXL0hi
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) March 30, 2025
According to early reports, a potential 18-game schedule would likely come with two bye weeks to help offset the physical toll. But nothing is imminent. It could take years of negotiations between the league and the players before anything changes.
The push for more games is primarily driven by money. The NFL has seen a significant revenue boost since increasing the season to 17 games. More games mean more TV deals, streaming, ticket sales, and ad money. Extending the season also gives networks another week of content, which is huge during football season.
But an extended season could come at a steep cost for players, especially those on teams known for physical practices — like the Steelers under head coach Mike Tomlin. Wear and tear add up fast, and not every player is willing to trade health for a few extra paychecks.