Overview

• Patrick Mahomes said he is not a big fan of an 18-game schedule and urged the NFL to add more bye weeks to protect player health.
• Reporters say the league is eyeing an extra regular-season game to facilitate an opt-out of broadcast deals after the 2029 season and secure more revenue.
• Under the 2030 collective bargaining agreement, any move to 18 games requires NFLPA consent and could trigger demands for expanded rosters, larger practice squads and greater revenue sharing.
• San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Chiefs coach Andy Reid have also called for a second bye week if the season expands.
• Formal negotiations on the schedule change are not expected to begin until early 2026 under the current CBA timeline.