REPORT: NFL moving to 17-game season in 2021

2021 NFL TV deal

The NFL announced the details of its new mega-television deal on Thursday, one that includes expanded coverage for NFL Network, FOX, CBS, ESPN, NBC and Amazon, and more digital distribution options.

We may even get a flex schedule for Monday Night Football.

You can read all the details of the new TV deal here:

One of the biggest developments for fans won’t be how the games are covered but instead is how many games there will be. While the NFL hasn’t formally announced an expanded schedule, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio is reporting that a 17-game schedule is a done deal.

“For the first time since 1978, the NFL will expand the total number of games that count from 16 to 17,” Florio wrote. “Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the league will adopt 17 games for 2021.”

As a traditionalist, I’m not sure I like the idea of another game. Sure, we all love the sport and no one will complain about having more football, but the integrity of records and season-long stats will be significantly impacted. Like anything else, we’ll adjust.

More money, more coverage, and another game. It’s good to be the NFL.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL