Patriots' Robert Kraft Explains Hopes for 18-Game NFL Season, 2nd Bye Week, More Rule Changes

As the NFL weighs whether to add a regular-season game, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave his thoughts.

Kraft said he believes eliminating some of the preseason games and adding a second bye week would be beneficial to player safety.

"I like it long-term for the growth and development of the league because, to keep our league healthy and grow revenue, I think preseason games have not been what it used to be when we own the team." Kraft said. "And changing to 18 games and having that real content and being mindful of player safety, I'd personally like to see us have a second bye week."

The international aspect of an 18-game schedule has also been a major point of discussion, and Kraft believes it would be more "exciting."

"But then it would allow us to grow the game internationally," he said. "Every team in the league would play a game internationally, overseas, and I think it would just be a lot more exciting for the fans."

Of course, adding an extra game to the NFL schedule would require the approval of the NFL Players Association. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made note of that last month, calling an 18-game slate "not a given."

Even if players are on board with another game, an 18-game regular season reportedly is still "several seasons away."