Attention football fans and gear enthusiasts: Mark your calendars, but keep a pencil handy. The NFL's highly anticipated full 272-game regular-season schedule might drop a little later than expected this year.

While recent history points to a release during the week of May 11—most likely Wednesday, May 13—NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North recently hinted that fans could be waiting until the week of May 18. Speaking on the It's Always Game Day in Buffalo podcast, North explained that "mid-May" has been the sweet spot for the last five or six years, but there's no magic in specific dates like May 12, 13, or 14. "Is there any real downside to [May] 19, 20 or 21? No," he added.

The league hasn't made an official announcement yet, but North reassured fans it won't slip into June. "I don't think it's coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target... I don't know that it's impossible to think about that third week in May."

One major factor potentially causing the delay? A new five-game broadcast package being sold separately. YouTube is reportedly the frontrunner to secure the deal, with Netflix and Fox also in the mix. "These five games that are out there as a package that are being negotiated right now—love to know when, where those games are going to be played so we can schedule them accordingly," North noted.

Timing also depends on post-draft surprises. North made it clear that developments during the draft could shake things up. "Maybe something happens in the draft that surprises us, somebody gets traded—a quarterback, a big name—something different at the top of the draft and we need an extra couple of days to adjust and react to it."

And let's not forget the Aaron Rodgers factor. If the legendary quarterback decides to return to the Steelers for another season, Pittsburgh instantly becomes a prime-time powerhouse. If not, the Steelers lose some of their sizzle, potentially shifting which matchups get the spotlight.

Whether you're planning watch parties or just itching to rep your team's new gear for those primetime games, stay tuned. The countdown to schedule release is on—just maybe a week later than usual.