The NFL wanted a ban of the Philadelphia Eagles' Tush Push this offseason.
That didn't happen. And people in the league office, including commissioner Roger Goodell, looked foolish for being unable to lobby enough owners to come to a vote.
So, goes the theory - and one Eagles fans are likely to embrace - now, Goodell wants payback. ...
Even if it means changing how every owner builds their team in 2025 and beyond.
As reported by Ari Meirov on X/Twitter, the league is looking for ways to even the playing field for rich owners compared to others in the league who may be strapped for cash by comparison.
"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said owners had a lengthy discussion at the league meetings about the salary cap system," Meirov said. "How well it’s working, whether teams are operating within its intended spirit, and what changes might be needed in the next round of collective bargaining with the players’ union.
"In short: Owners are already looking ahead to potential changes to keep the system fair, competitive, and free of loopholes."
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie sold a minority share of the organization last offseason that came out to over $660 million and valued the franchise at over $8 billion. The use of the extra cash allows the team to increase signing bonuses and write those big checks.
At the same time, Philly is not shy about eating more dead cap money in pursuit of excellence.
That strategy has allowed the Eagles to build one of the most dominant teams in the league in recent years.
Now, the NFL wants to try and change all of that.
The league can talk all they want about fair play and a chance to even the score with some of their struggling teams. At the end of the day, though, it's bothersome to fans that a Goodell goal might be about payback, about getting back at Lurie and the Eagles.
Surely the NFL wouldn't change rules to be that petty ... right?