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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talked about the possibility of an 18-match normal season before the Super Bowl Lix in February.
Goodell said there is “a lot of work to be done” before he expanded the season to 18 games and said he has had no formal discussions with the players’ union about adding a game.
New York Giant’s wide receiver Darius Slayton thought the NFL, which added a 17th game to the regular season before 2021, was “insane” and said he can’t even wrap his head around a potential 18th game.
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New York Giants Broad receives Darius Slayton, #86, movements during warming before a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at Metlife Stadium on Sunday 29 December 2024. (IMagn)
The 28-year-old wide receiver said he would like to have three things in the next CBA in exchange for the potential addition of an 18th regular seasonal match.
The first thing Slayton wishes is a change in NFL’s proven performance rolling.
The tested benefit roll increases the salary of the third through the seventh round elections if they hit certain playing time. Players can earn the payroll through the escalator if they play at least 35% of the offensive or defensive snaps in their first three seasons.
They can also earn the salary increase if they average at least 35% playing time in their first three seasons. The salary is taking effect in front of the player’s fourth season.
However, these wage increases are not guaranteed to players, and general leaders can play hardball and take them away, which is what happened to Slayton.
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Darius Slayton is the winner of the Alan Page Community Award during the NFLPA press conference at the forefront of the Super Bowl Lix in the New Orleans Convention Center on February 5, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
“(The) situation I was in where they can retreat (the escalator). The escalator is there for guys who come into the league poorly stated to have a chance to make a little money, so why – it makes no sense that it is not (guaranteed). It makes no sense for being able to be taken away as if I earn,” Meir. “
“Don’t put it there if it’s like you can earn it (and then) take it, why put it there? So they need to be guaranteed.”
Slayton had earned the escalator when he was a pick in the fifth round that met the qualifications for the salary increase. However, Giant’s General Manager Joe Schoen Slayton got a salary cut to stay with the team and essentially wipe out his escalator.
The next change Slayton would like to see in CBA is a change in revenue share if the NFL should add a 18th game.
“If we could just get another even 1% or 1.5% to do so, you know 49 and a half no matter what. I think it’s 48 and a half right now. I think even though we’re going to suffer 49 and a half that 1% in the case you talk about hundreds of millions of dollars. All the places that (additional money) could go that 1% is very, very, very, very valuable. That, “tightens it,” Slayt, “Slay said.
The last thing Slayton said he would like to be a bigger investment from teams across the NFL in their training staff to accommodate the extra game.
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New York Giant’s wide receiver Darius Slayton, #86, breaks a tackle of Indianapolis Colts Defensive Back Nick Cross, #20, during a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at Metlife Stadium Sunday 29 December 2024. (IMagn)
“Each team’s investment in training staff and body maintenance as it could certainly be higher everywhere. As far as something else needs access to keep your body right or get your body right, as there may be more money that has been put there to deal with it,” Slayton said.
“I’m on a team that actually probably does one of the best jobs in the league. But I just know for a fact like just listening to guys across the league as it could definitely be higher. If you wanted people’s bodies to quit, it’s a department where you could pour more money in and at least help guys more.”
In particular, Slayton said he didn’t think the NFL should add another bye week to the schedule.
“I don’t know about two (goodbye weeks) because like getting yourself started after a purchase is a tough thing,” Slayton said.
NFL’s data shows that there are several softness injuries after a bye week, according to Ari Meirov.
Slayton said it is up to the player’s union to fight for these changes.
“It’s going to be on us as a player association and a PA to fight for the things we would need in return if we had to add a 18th game, but it’s definitely not, it’s definitely not ideal for the players,” Slayton said.
New York Giants Broad receives Darius Slayton, #86, warms up before the game against Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2024. (Andrew DIEB-MANUNAL PICTURES)
Giants chose Slayton with their fifth round elections in 2019 NFL Draft out of Auburn.
For six seasons with Giants, Slayton has 259 catches with 3,897 yards and 21 touchdowns. Last season, Slayton had 39 catches in 573 yards and two touchdowns.
Slayton was a free agent during the high season, but remained with Giants on a three-year contract of $ 36 million.
