Buffalo Bills' Dion Dawkins Raises Concerns Over 18-Game NFL Season
The NFL is racing toward an 18-game regular season, but Buffalo Bills' standout tackle Dion Dawkins is hitting pause. While the league sees this as a savvy business move, Dawkins warns it could spell trouble for player longevity, especially for those battling it out in the trenches.
The Business of Brutality
At 31, Dawkins has witnessed the league's evolution over his decade-long career. As the NFL Annual Meeting looms in Phoenix, the shift from 17 to 18 games is expected to become official.
Dawkins acknowledges the business logic but highlights a critical issue: the physical toll on players. With the average NFL career lasting around three seasons, he fears this could shrink even further.
Dawkins proposes that if the league adds games, players should receive a "game off" or improved workload management. He emphasizes that without fully guaranteed contracts, each additional play risks future earnings. Dawkins is advocating for the league to support not just the stars, but also the "average players" who face greater risks.
The Bills' 2025 season serves as a cautionary tale. They finished 12-5 but lost key players to soft-tissue injuries. An extra week of intense play only increases this danger.
“I think the world that we live in is just a different type of world. Production, entertainment, sports.
We’re a part of that world where people want to see football more. So, the 18th game is a beautiful business choice as the league.
The only counter that I see to it is guys’ careers are only getting shorter.”
- Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills Left Tackle
New Era in Buffalo: What’s Next
This move toward 18 games coincides with a period of change for the Bills. They're entering their first full season under head coach Joe Brady, following Sean McDermott’s departure.
Brady's dynamic offense depends on Dawkins to protect Josh Allen, who is juggling his role as a top quarterback and new father. If the 18-game schedule is approved for 2027, the Bills will need to rethink their roster depth.
General Manager Brandon Beane is already making adjustments. The focus on versatile "swing" tackles and interior rotations indicates Buffalo is bracing for a scenario where no lineman plays every snap. The biggest challenge remains whether the NFLPA can secure a second bye week or expanded rosters before the owners cast their votes next week.