The league office is considering expanding the pool of teams that can be selected for the preseason Hard Knocks series. Currently, teams with first-year head coaches, those that have made the playoffs in the past two seasons, and those that have done the show in the last 10 years are exempt from being chosen. However, if the proposal is approved, teams with first-year head coaches, those that have done the show in the past eight years, and those participating in the in-season version of Hard Knocks in the current or next season will no longer be exempt. The exemption based on playoff appearances will also be eliminated.
Last year, only four teams were potential candidates for Hard Knocks: Jets, Commanders, Bears, and Saints. Despite not wanting to participate, the Jets were chosen marking the first time a team did not volunteer for the series. If this proposal is passed, it could become more common in future seasons as more teams may choose to participate rather than be chosen. The decision on whether or not to expand Hard Knocks will be voted on by team owners on Tuesday.
