What I learned from the 2019 Preseason

If the preseason wasn’t already dead, it certainly peeled over, got cremated and laughed at its own eulogy this year. That’s a cold take considering the mainstream media just caught on.

Teams opted for more joint and open practices, at least it seemed like it. Players like Cam Newton got hurt. Teams like the Rams didn’t even bother traveling players. Other ones played stars like Derek Carr barely, even less than traditional preseason.

Owners are already pushing their 18 game season agenda in collective bargaining negotiating. Fans been complaining about regular season prices for third string action.

The Preseason is done. Period.

NFL players make too much money. Practices, training and all that already skew more towards, ‘load management.’ It’s great for players at the top extending their career.

However, the death of preseason means the nearly 40 players on 90-man rosters at the start of camp will have an even harder time making the roster. It’s bad enough they’re competing for 10 practice squad spots and few other openings on the roster. Many of them will find themselves traveling around the country for workouts and guaranteed contracts just to live their dream.

Well, when one door closes another one opens. Maybe the death of the preseason births deeper rosters. Teams might actually start carrying more specialists and depth throughout the roster. There’s also the XFL and other startup leagues too.