The NFL is reportedly getting close to finalizing a drastic and new kickoff rule that was pieced together by multiple NFL special teams coordinators.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, a proposal for a new kickoff rule is being finalized, with a potential vote among owners coming during the Annual League Meeting from March 24 to March 27.
Pelissero reports that the new rule change would only allow NFL teams to attempt an onside kick if they’re losing in the fourth quarter. On top of that, they would have to “declare” the onside kick attempt in advance:
“A new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter and require them to declare in advance, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Sunday, per a source.
If the kickoff team declares they’re attempting an onside kick, they potentially could be allowed to utilize an unbalanced (6×4) formation to raise odds of a recovery, Pelissero reported.
Just 5.2% of onside kicks were recovered in 2023, and there just two surprise onside kicks due to run-ups being banned.
If approved, the new rules should raise both the frequency and success rate of onside kicks, raising chances of a late comeback, according to Pelissero, but with the setup zone now slated to be ahead of the ball, the element of surprise goes away because a different formation is required.”
The awfully low chances of recovering an onside kick have been a hot talking point in the NFL for a while. There has also been a proposal to allow the team trailing to attempt a “4th-and-15” conversion instead of the onside kick, but that obviously hasn’t yet been implemented.
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Regarding other possible rule changes, Pelissero reported earlier this week that the “tush push” play will not be banned, and that the fumbling-through-the-end-zone for a touchback rule will remain in effect.
