Jerry Jones Suggests 2027 as Potential Timeline for NFL's 18-Game Regular Season, Proposes Preseason Cut

Since the National Football League expanded its regular season from 16 to 17 games in 2021, discussions have frequently surfaced regarding a further increase to an 18-game schedule. Such a significant shift would involve intricate negotiations concerning team roster sizes, player compensation, the structure of the preseason, and the timing of the Super Bowl. Crucially, any such proposal would require formal approval from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) before it could advance.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a prominent and outspoken figure within the league, recently provided an estimated timeline for when this additional regular-season game might be introduced. “I don’t think we’re far away from it,” Jones stated during an interview with Dallas sports radio station 105.3 FM.

Jones indicated that the league could potentially transition to an extended regular season as soon as 2027. He elaborated, “I don’t know what is far away — next month, next year, maybe. Next year, maybe. That has to be negotiated with the players. But it’s in everybody’s best interest.”

Owners Eye Expanded Schedule

The prospect of adding another game to the schedule for each of the NFL's 32 teams has gained momentum, driven by the league's escalating popularity and its expanding international presence. This current season marks a record with nine games being played outside the United States, and an even larger international slate of 10 games has already been sanctioned for the 2027 season.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has consistently voiced his support for the push by many owners to adopt an 18-game schedule. Jones suggested that if this change comes to fruition, the preseason could be shortened, allowing teams to use the initial weeks of the regular season to reach peak performance.

“You’d cut back on the preseason games, you’d have teams more developed in the first few games, the type of thing you were trying to get done in the preseason. It’s in everybody’s interest, and it certainly is in the players’ best interests, in my mind.”

Jones’ remarks underscore an ambitious vision for the league’s future scheduling.

Player Health Concerns Raised by NFLPA

The NFL Players Association, however, has expressed reservations about a further expansion of the regular season. In March, NFLPA Executive Director JC Tretter conveyed to The Athletic that the union remains steadfast in its commitment to “defend our players and their health.”

“There are things that are not good for our players that we need to make sure we’re protecting them from,” Tretter asserted. “And as of right now, those are all subjects of bargaining. The league can’t expand past 10 international games. The league’s at 17 games in the CBA. That is where we’re at, and we’re going to make sure we defend our players and their health and safety because our guys feel they know what this feels like.”

Tretter, who previously played eight seasons as an offensive lineman in the NFL, concluding his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2021, drew on his personal experience.

“I understand what it felt like when I played 16 (games) and then moved to 17,” Tretter reflected. “I understand the toll that takes on the body … I understand the same thing with international. I played an international game. I understand the timeline and how tough it is to recover, how tough it is to turn around and get on the flight on the way back and then get ready for the next week. That is not easy.”

In a separate context, the Washington Commanders secured a 24-21 victory over the New York Giants to open Week 10 of the 2026 season.