How Come 45-man limit?

[stuckincincy]

I seek a Solon.

With a 53-man squad, I wonder why the 45-man limit exists.

My minor mental processes come up with the following (admittedly cynical) reasons:

1: The "I'm OK you're OK" view that accomodates teams with weak benches in the name of league-wide competitiveness.

2: To effect a concentration of players, so that each team and the league in general can culture a crop of of big-name players and therefore stars. Hype, endorsements, face time etc.

3. Following #2, crass econmics on the part of the NFLPA i.e. "How can you expect me to live on a measly four mill a year?"

Comments? howitzer shells? mortar rounds?

[Dozerdog]

I beleive there used to be 45 man rosters- but the NFLPA negotiated 8 more jobs per team- plus in the age of specialists, the third QB is usually inactive, along with the 3rd or 4th RB and so on

[stuckincincy]

Hmm...then the 53 seems to be a plus...but I still kinda think if I pay 53 why can't I play 53? I suppose the term Taxi Squad would date me :}.

[MDFINFAN]

This has been a age old question and it's written somewhere why on nfl.com...it's stupid to me, but they had some explanation, I read it a couple of years ago, didn't agree with it then and still don't, doesn't make sense..the guys on the ps, I can't why, but the guys that make the roster should be allowed to play period.