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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the idea of lengthening the regular season to 18 games ahead of Super Bowl LIX in February.
Goodell mentioned that “a lot of work needs to happen” before extending the season to 18 games and noted he hasn’t engaged in any formal talks with the players’ union about the additional game.
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton found the NFL’s addition of a 17th game before the 2021 season to be “insane” and has difficulty even contemplating an 18th game.
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton, #86, warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2024. (IMAGN)
The 28-year-old receiver expressed that in exchange for potentially adding an 18th regular season game, he would like to see three changes in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
First, Slayton wants revisions to the NFL’s Proven Performance Escalator.
The Proven Performance Escalator allows for a salary increase for third- to seventh-round picks who meet specific playing time requirements. For a bump, players must play at least 35% of offensive or defensive snaps in their first three years or maintain an average of 35% playtime over those seasons. This increase activates before the player’s fourth season.
However, these salary hikes are not guaranteed, and general managers can revoke them, which is what Slayton experienced.
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Darius Slayton received the Alan Page Community Award at the NFLPA press conference leading up to Super Bowl LIX at the New Orleans Convention Center on February 5, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
“In my situation, they can take away that escalator. It’s intended to give players who enter the league with less opportunity a chance to earn a bit more, so it makes no sense that it’s not guaranteed. If I’ve earned it, why can it be taken back?” Slayton expressed during a recent segment on “NFL Spotlight With Ari Meirov.”
“If it can be earned and then taken away, why even have it? Those escalators should be guaranteed.”
Slayton qualified for the escalator as a fifth-round pick, but after he was asked to lower his salary to stay with the Giants, his escalator was effectively canceled.
The second change he desires in the CBA is a bigger slice of the revenue if an 18th game is added.
“Even an additional 1% or 1.5% increase to bring it to 49.5% would make a significant difference. I think it’s currently around 48.5%. That 1% could translate to hundreds of millions of dollars, with countless opportunities for that extra funding,” Slayton explained.
Lastly, Slayton emphasizes the need for teams to invest more in their training staff to prepare for an added game.
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Darius Slayton, #86, breaks a tackle from Indianapolis Colts defensive back Nick Cross, #20, during a game at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2024. (IMAGN)
“Teams should allocate more resources to their training staff and body maintenance. While my team does a commendable job, many others could step up their game. If you want players to stay healthy, this area requires more investment,” Slayton noted.
Slayton also mentioned he does not support adding a second bye week to the schedule.
“I’m uncertain about two bye weeks because it’s tough to regain momentum after a break,” Slayton said.
According to NFL data, there is an increase in soft tissue injuries following a bye week, as reported by Ari Meirov.
Slayton believes it is up to the players’ union to advocate for these changes.
“It’s our responsibility as a players’ union to negotiate for what we need if an 18th game is added, though it’s certainly not the best situation for the players,” Slayton concluded.
Darius Slayton warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2024. (Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images)
The Giants took Slayton in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Auburn. Over six seasons with the team, he has made 259 receptions for 3,897 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. Last season, he recorded 39 catches for 573 yards and two touchdowns.
After becoming a free agent this offseason, Slayton re-signed with the Giants on a three-year, $36 million deal.
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