NFL Debates 18-Game Season, Player Health

0:00It's April 1st, NFL News Today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. NFL folks are buzzing about adding an 18th game to the schedule, but only if they protect player health first. Buffalo Bill's general manager, Brandon Bean, laid out a plan on the Pat McAfee show at League meetings this week. He wants to cut one preseason game and bump up to 53 man rosters plus game day squads, so teams stay fresh for the playoffs. Meanwhile, New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, pitched two by weeks instead. He says it would help with recovery and push international games where every team plays overseas at least once. Think about teams like the Falcons last season, hurting key guys right after Germany. Fans and insiders see the injury risks loud and clear, like Bo Nick's breaking his ankle in a Bill's playoff game or Atlanta's quarterback and receiver. Banged up post-international trip. These ideas aim to balance more games with keeping stars on the field longer term.

1:00Then there's NBC's Mike Floreo, suggesting an 18-game season where non-quarterbacks and specialists max out at 17 games, NBA load, management style. He floated it on the Rich Eisen show, calling it a way to ease the grind without selling players short. All these proposals show the league's wrestling revenue against real player wear and tear, and talks like these could shape how football evolves next. Season.