Which NFL Expansion Teams Should Be Considered?

There’s been plenty of speculation that the NFL is ready to expand once again, bringing the league up to 40 teams. That’s an insane number of franchises and would wreak havoc on the scheduling and talent levels of the game.

But if the NFL does decide to add a few more teams, which cities make the most sense? The New York Giants have reportedly expressed interest in an expansion team, but who else should be considered? We compiled a list of possible candidates, along with their notable players and the benefits they would bring to the league.

The last time the NFL expanded was back in 2002 with the Houston Texans joining the league. This resulted in a unique process called the NFL Expansion Draft, which gave existing teams the opportunity to protect a certain amount of their players from being drafted by an expansion team. Any player that wasn’t protected from the expansion draft was then fair game for the new franchise to select. This was done to prevent the expansion team from just swooping in and grabbing the best players at the expense of other clubs.

San Jose

The former home of the Raiders is a viable option for an expansion team. The city has a huge sports fan base that would welcome the addition of an NFL franchise. There is also a strong possibility that a rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers could form, which would be great for the quality of the game.

Denver

The city of Denver has a rich football history and has hosted a handful of NFL games in the past. They’re a big market that would definitely support an expansion franchise and the city has some impressive facilities that could be used for a new stadium. The city’s most important asset, however, is its talented roster of young players. This group is full of potential superstars and would be a valuable asset for an expansion team.

Minneapolis

The Vikings have been in a rebuild mode for the past few years and they could use an expansion team to clean house. They have a few major contracts to get rid of and a young core that’s ready for the next level. One of the biggest hurdles for any potential expansion team, though, is finding a suitable owner willing to pay the billions that an NFL franchise requires.

Toronto

The city of Toronto has been an active sports hub for decades and the expansion of the NFL to Canada makes a lot of sense. The country already has successful NHL, MLB and NBA franchises, so it’s no stretch to believe that the NFL could be a hit in this market. Plus, the city has a storied tradition of football that would be a perfect complement to its other pro sports offerings. Getting a franchise in the league would also give the NFL a chance to tap into the country’s growing appetite for professional sports.