Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

Question for the board:

Do you see us having the expanded rosters this season to compensate for the coaching staffs' lost time with the players (for evaluation purposes)? If so, how many spots do you forsee? 55? 57? 60?

How does everyone see this playing out? Obviously it depends on when these guys officially end the lockout (so don't just say that).


And what positions will this impact for the Pats? Note that BB in the past said he believes that more roster spots will lead to more positional niches (like a player who only punt returns and/or kick returns). That being said, the circumstances are a bit different this year.


Disclaimer: I disclaim any culpability from jinxing the negotiation talks by bringing up post-negotiation football.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

I don't know if there will be an expanded roster. In fact, I think an expanded roster with a shortened offseason might be counter productive. I expect starters to play more of the preseason than in years past because they are going to need more time to develop continuity and get into playing shape. By expanding the roster, it just means that the coaches will need to decrease even more time for their back ups to get playing time and show their worth.

The only reason the owners talked about expanding the rosters was because of an 18 game season that has been taken off the table. With the owners pushing for a smaller percentage of the revenue going towards the players, I doubt either side wants to expand the roster and spread the wealth of a smaller percentage of revenue to even more players.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

I think Rob pretty much nailed it, although there was still some chatter about the possible addition due to the lockout etc. In my opinion, I would have to guess 'no,' at this point, but it truly remains to be seen--depending on what the specifics of the deal will call for.

If there are expended rosters, I would guess maybe 2 players.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

I think if they do make an accommodation it will be a one time (2011) deal where teams can use a roster exemption or two on a rookie (lost if he's game day active) and/or they may expand practice squads to 10.

Like Rob said, absent an increase in the schedule I don't think owners are going to be looking to increase payroll. The scaled back cap isn't going to allow for that.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

Makes sense, but is it fair to coaches that they don't have as much time to evaluate rookies? They haven't received any instructions from their coaches. What's more, as you mentioned the normal starters may consume more playing time in the preseason as they prepare for the regular season, which means less time for the rooks.

Goodell said back in May that they would consider expanded rosters this season for this reason--not just because of the 18 game season.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/sp...d-rosters.html

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

I honestly have no sense for which way the wind blows in regards to the talks on this matter.

I would prefer to have the inactive list increased by 2, but keep the game day number the same. Increasing the the game day roster would alter the game with more specialized players and I do not want that. However increasing the inactive list allows injured players to be sheltered. With the increased concern about concussions as well as other injuries this would protect the players and allow teams to keep players they are paying for the season available to play.

I particularly would endorse increasing the number of inactives as a Patriots fan because of the large number of young players on the team now and the continuation of additional high draft choices next year. The Patriots would be in an ideal situation to take advantage of the rule change.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

One thing I've hoped would be part of these CBA negotiations would be more reasonable roster rules giving teams more time to work with draftees and UDFAs without costing veteran players their jobs.

Think of Sam Aiken who was the Pats special teams captain in 09 and a contributor on offense but didn't have a job in 2010 because the team had to protect Taylor Price their 3rd pick who never saw game action until the last game of the season. The NFL should allow teams to transfer some draftees (say 3rd-7th rounders) plus UDFAs directly to the practice squad without being exposed to waivers for one season. Teams could negotiate 2-way contracts like hockey and baseball with rookies paying them lower than minimum salaries when they are on the practice squad. Such a change might protect the jobs of 2-3 veterans a year. You'd think an union would be interested in such a thing.

The NFL should also increase the gameday roster to 53 and allow players to be activated off the practice squad on a game-by-game basis without being subject to waivers to replace injured players. They could make it mandatory that teams have active a certain number of offensive and defensive lineman preventing teams from stocking their rosters with specialists and providing adequate depth along the lines.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

These are all excellent ideas that SHOULD be made part of the CBA in some fashion. It makes sense. I have never understood why you can have 53 men on your roster and 8 can't dress for the game. Also as it seem the length of a player's first contract seems to be growing shorter, it would make sense to allow teams to be able to hold on to their PS and low round draft picks a bit longer.

You make a great point that the "union" should be pressing for these kinds of changes, because it makes it more likely that some of their members can keep their jobs......But it seems the only jobs they are looking out for.....are their own. :rolleyes:

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

If there is an agreement after mid-July, I see a roster expanded to 60 to accomodate rookies. Perhaps these can be roster exemptions for rookies which go away when the rookie is first made active.

I do believe that a permanent increase of 2-3 spots will be part of the agreement.

Re: Potential Expanded Rosters (this season)
 

Perhaps an expansion of practice squad sports for Roookies that are 'protected' slots for this season, then go the roster provided for in the CBA.