The proposal would also trim the preseason, dropping it to two games in the near future as the league seeks additional revenue. But players worry that an extra game could exacerbate injuries and undermine the competitiveness teams aim to showcase in meaningful late-season and playoff runs.
Flacco spoke bluntly about the potential shift, saying the current 16-game format has a proven rhythm that keeps the playoffs highly competitive. He warned that an 18-game schedule could turn the postseason into a “war of attrition,” with teams reaching the playoffs at less than peak condition and fans not seeing the best possible football.
Separately, the Bengals are already doing their homework ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, reportedly meeting with Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis the day before the draft. The discussions included a Zoom session with Cincinnati and interest from other teams, reflecting the club’s openness to options at the quarterback position.
Kaliakmanis, a Rutgers transfer from Minnesota, has drawn interest as a potential UDFA candidate. Evaluators have described him as a steady, if not flashy, option—efficient in college, with a solid completion rate and a favorable TD-to-INT ratio, known for delivering timely throws and making smart reads.
While Kaliakmanis isn’t guaranteed to be drafted, the Bengals’ visit underscores their willingness to explore mid- to late-round or UDF A options as they weigh how roster-building may shift in a landscape that is debating a longer regular season.
Overall, Flacco’s critique highlights a broader league conversation about sustainable playing careers versus the financial lure of expanding the schedule, a debate that now intersects with how Cincinnati approaches its quarterback depth heading into the 2026 draft.
