SCREAMIN' FROM THE CHEAP SEATS. I'm shouting today at the National Football League Players Association and I truly hope they are listening. That's because the issue is adding an 18th game and the NFLPA needs to get some major concessions from The Shield if this is going to transpire. Here's what needs to happen from the players point of view.

First, the NFLPA needs to demand that the NFL guarantees to expand the game day active roster from 53 to 60 players. It's obvious that in some contests especially in the last quarter of the regular season teams are forced to put players in positions they are unaccustomed to playing because of injuries to players during the game. That diminishes the product and the NFL never wants that to happen so that should be an easy one to attain.

Second, the NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. need to have The Shield agree to increasing the number of practice squad players from 16 to 25. That would allow every team to have a player in abeyance for every position as insurance if a member of the active roster has to be replaced. 11 on offense and 11 on defense as well as a punter plus a kicker along with a long snapper or however the franchise wants to compose their practice squad roster.

Finally, the NFLPA needs to put language into the next Collective Bargaining Agreement that the number of regular season games will not increase for the duration of the CBA. That would entice both sides to come to a long term agreement.

This is win-win for both sides. The NFL gets the extra revenue from an additional regular season contest. The NFLPA negotiated an increase in active rosters by 7 players as well as 9 practice squad participants and that's significant.

If you're wondering why I say that just do the math. Multiply both numbers by 32 which is the number of NFL franchises. That's an increase of 224 on active rosters and 288 on practice squads. Over 500 new jobs as well as new potential NFLPA member.

I hope the NFLPA along with the NFL is hearing my rant because it's a plus for all parties. For the owners it will improve the quality of play for a miniscule amount of money. For the players more job security. For the fans, a marked improvement in the level of play all season.

Book it Dano!