The NFL competition committee is making a significant push to establish new regulations regarding kickoffs, proposing to make the dynamic kickoff rule permanent while moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line. This change aims to increase the frequency of kickoff returns.
Additionally, the committee has unveiled a series of potential rule changes for 2025, which will be discussed at the upcoming league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. These include an expansion of instant replay provisions, which may need the approval of 24 out of 32 team owners in order to be implemented. Among the team-suggested proposals to be considered at these meetings are a ban on the “tush push” and amendments to playoff seeding rules.
Last season, a major alteration to the kickoff rules was introduced on a temporary basis, leading to an additional 332 returns, with the rate of returns increasing from 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8%. The committee now suggests that moving the touchback location from the 30 to the 35-yard line for kicks that reach the end zone could encourage more teams to employ shorter kicks that are likely to result in more returns. The expectation is that this might potentially double the rate of returns.
Rich McKay, the chairman of the NFL Competition Committee, expressed optimism about the motivation this rule change provides to teams to engage in-game returns. Another intriguing proposal involves allowing teams to announce their decision to attempt an onside kick at any time when they’re trailing, not just in the fourth quarter, combined with a minor adjustment in formation to boost the recovery rate. Despite previous interest, no current proposals include changing the onside kick to a fourth and long play due to its perceived “gimmicky” nature.
The proposed modifications also include slight adjustments on how players on the return team are arranged prior to the kickoff. The main framework will remain unchanged, with the kicker placed at the 35-yard line and the coverage team at the 40-yard line. Players can only move after the ball lands or is touched inside the 20-yard line. Moreover, kickoffs reaching the end zone can now be returned or opted as a touchback, setting the ball at the 35-yard line.
The previous season showcased 59 returns of at least 40 yards—the highest since 2016—and seven touchdowns. A notable drop in the concussion rate by 43% was also recorded, alongside a decline in other injuries associated with kick return plays, achieving a safety level similar to standard scrimmage plays.
Jeff Miller, an NFL executive, highlighted the achieved safety balance, mentioning that the risk from more kick returns may be counterbalanced by fewer punts, which possess higher injury rates. Expanding the instant replay capability is another suggestion, enabling on-field officials to reconsider objective calls like facemask penalties, forcible head contact, and other infractions when clear evidence is available.
Replay assists would have the potential to override incorrect calls but are currently not allowed to impose new penalties—even if accurately identified. Vincent, another NFL executive, emphasized the importance of correcting errors without introducing the possibility of new flags being called from replays.
Further, the committee has put forth several other proposals, such as permitting two players to return from injured reserve after roster cutbacks and granting playoff teams additional IR return spots. Furthermore, it recommends using point differential as a tiebreaker on waiver claims.
The upcoming meetings will be crucial in determining which of these proposed changes will be adopted into the NFL’s rulebook.