John Mara voices concerns about idea of 18-game NFL schedule

New York Giants co-owner John Mara is not “crazy” about the possibility of the NFL moving to an 18-game regular-season schedule.

“I can’t say I’m necessarily crazy about extending the season,” he told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

“I worry more about player fatigue and wear and tear on the players moving forward. That’s one of the reasons why we have to have the discussion with (the players union).”

At the Spring League Meetings, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, per Ian Rapoport, that “there isn’t a current conversation, but long-term, it would be a “good trade” for fewer preseason games.”

Via Rapoport, here is the full text of Goodell’s remarks about an 18-game schedule:

Justin Pugh took to social media to offer his perspective:

“I don’t see a world in which we don’t have an @NFL 18 game season + 2 bye weeks.

“Players health and safety is a factor but the question to the players is would you play an extra game for another game check?

“Does more money in players pocket quicker actually benefit us?

“For 18 games players should ask for shortened pension vesting requirements and a bump in the revenue splits. Maybe 48.5% split (yes I’d love 50/50 but being realistic).”

Dr. David Chao, known as @ProFoobtallDoc, a former team physician, also weighed in:

“A 2nd bye week (with reduced preseason games) would help the “fatigue and wear and tear” issues. And bring more broadcast revenue with 20 weeks of @NFL regular season TV.”

It may not be imminent, but an 18-game regular season with even fewer preseason games seems inevitable. It always seemed like going from 16 to 17 games was simply a stepping stone to get to 18.

Is an 18-game season something you would favor, Giants fans?