The NFL Annual League Meeting is just around the corner. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the owners’ meetings to be canceled in 2020 and conducted virtually in 2021, but the group got together in 2022 to discuss league changes, such as ensuring that each team had the chance the possess the ball in overtime games.
Here’s everything you need to know about one of the most important weeks on the NFL calendar.
When Is the NFL Owners’ Annual League Meeting?
- Dates: March 26-29
- City: Phoenix, Ariz.
- Location: The Biltmore, Phoenix
What’s on the Agenda at the NFL Annual League Meeting?
Rule and policy changes are usually at the forefront of league meetings. While potential on-field alterations will be on the table in 2023, another topic will be at the forefront of discussions.
Will Dan Snyder Sell the Washington Commanders?
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has been embroiled in controversy for years, but he could be inching closer to selling his NFL franchise — and a decision could come at the league meetings.
NFL owners discussed Snyder’s status at committee meetings in Florida earlier this month but made no declaration about voting to remove him from ownership, according to the Washington Post. The NFL has never forced an owner to sell his club, and the Post reported owners are hopeful that Snyder will decide to sell on his own. Twenty-four of the league’s 31 other owners would have to vote to remove Snyder.
Snyder, who has owned the Washington franchise since 1999, announced in November that he’d hired Bank of America Securities to “consider potential transactions.” Interested potential bidders may include Josh Harris, owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils; Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets; and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
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Snyder has been the subject of several investigations involving sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Congress released a report in December concluding that Snyder was an active participant in Washington’s toxic culture, while former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White is conducting an investigation on behalf of the NFL.
Snyder has also been accused of financial impropriety, including taking out a $55 million loan without the approval of his minority owners, as ESPN detailed. Meanwhile, The Athletic recently reported that Washington has delayed signing bonus payments for several of its free agent signings, suggesting Snyder wants the Commanders’ new owner on the hook for those installments.
Roger Goodell Likely To Receive Extension
Roger Goodell isn’t going anywhere, as ESPN reported NFL owners will likely finalize a multi-year extension for the commissioner at the league meetings. Goodell has been the NFL commissioner since taking over for Paul Tagliabue in 2006.
Per ESPN, Goodell has discussed a three-year deal, but no timeframe has been officially set in stone. This could potentially be the final extension for the 64-year-old Goodell, who could consider retirement at the conclusion of his next term.
According to the New York Times, Goodell earned $63.9 million for both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years, with roughly 90 percent of that total coming via bonuses.
Proposed 2023 Rule Changes
NFL teams are encouraged to submit potential rule changes to the NFL’s Competition Committee, which will report its findings about potential adjustments to the league’s owners at the annual meeting. Any rule change must receive at least 24 votes from the NFL’s owners to be adopted.
Here are the rule changes being considered in 2023:
- Allow teams to maintain possession by executing a 4th-and-20 attempt from their opponent’s 20-yard line. This would be similar to the XFL’s gameplay, which allows clubs to attempt a 4th-and-15 in lieu of an onside kick (but only in the fourth quarter).
- Enable teams to carry a third quarterback on their inactive list or practice squad list who would be eligible to play if that team’s first two quarterbacks suffered injuries.
- Allow players to wear “0” as their jersey number.
- Make play clock adjustments after instant replay reversals “consistent with other timing rules.”
- Expand coaches’ challenges to include personal fouls.
- Provide teams with “more opportunities” for a third challenge.
- Expand instant replay to “allow for consultation regarding penalty assessment.”
- Allow replay officials to review failed fourth-down attempts.
- Make roughing-the-passer penalties subject to review or challenge.
- Alter the crackback block prohibition.
NFL Competition Committee Members
- Rich McKay (chairman), Atlanta Falcons
- Katie Blackburn, Cincinnati Bengals
- Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins
- Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys
- John Mara, New York Giants
- Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens
- Frank Reich, Carolina Panthers
- Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
- Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans