In recent years, kickoffs have essentially become an extension of the commercial break during NFL games. However, the NFL’s new kickoff rule should change that in 2024.
NFL owners approved the new rule in hopes of encouraging more returns and revitalizing that facet of the game. Recently, PFN broke down the best return option for each NFL team. Today, let’s examine who should be returning kicks for each NFC squad.
Who Is the Best Return Option for Each NFC Team?
With the new kickoff rules opening up endless possibilities, there are plenty of intriguing returner options to discuss in 2024. Let’s identify the best candidate for each NFC team!
Arizona Cardinals: DeeJay Dallas
The Cardinals signed running back DeeJay Dallas to a three-year contract this offseason. Dallas made the most of his kick-return opportunities during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, averaging 25.9 yards per kick return in 2023.
Atlanta Falcons: Ray-Ray McCloud
Although Avery Williams has established himself as a top punt returner, Ray-Ray McCloud is likely the better option on kickoffs. Williams has averaged just 20.6 yards per kick return in his career, while McCloud has averaged 22.6 yards on significantly more opportunities.
Carolina Panthers: Raheem Blackshear
In two seasons with the Panthers, Raheem Blackshear has already established himself as one of the best kick returners in the NFL. He’s averaged a whopping 26.9 yards per return and should retain the primary job for the Panthers in 2024.
Chicago Bears: Velus Jones Jr.
Although Velus Jones Jr. has disappointed at wide receiver since being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he’s made an impact as a returner, averaging 27.4 yards per kick return in Chicago — making him the obvious choice to bring back kicks in 2024.
Dallas Cowboys: KaVontae Turpin
Since signing with the Cowboys in 2022, KaVontae Turpin has established himself as one of NFL’s most dangerous returners. In 2023, Turpin averaged 29.2 yards per kick return and will likely benefit from the rule changes during this upcoming season.
Detroit Lions: Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki is one of the most intriguing rookies in this draft class. Vaki played both safety and running back at Utah, and the Lions believe he’ll be a great addition to their backfield. Yet, his upside could truly shine on special teams, where he would be able to put his experience and toughness to use as Detroit’s primary kick returner.
Green Bay Packers: Keisean Nixon
Since joining the Packers in 2022, Keisean Nixon has established himself as the NFL’s top kick returner — having been named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons.
Nixon will look to continue his dominance under the new kickoff rules, which should give him even more opportunities to showcase his game-breaking abilities.
Los Angeles Rams: Boston Scott
Boston Scott spent several seasons as a kick returner for the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, he’s moved across the country and will likely play the same role on the West Coast. Although Scott isn’t the most explosive returner, he’s tough and should be able to break a few tackles and gain yardage after contact.
Minnesota Vikings: Ty Chandler
Ty Chandler likely won a few fantasy football matchups down the stretch last season due to his surprisingly strong play in Minnesota’s backfield. This season, his potential as a kick returner is something that the Vikings should be excited about.
MORE: Simulate the 2024 NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
New Orleans Saints: Rashid Shaheed
Rashid Shaheed burst onto the scene last season as a dangerous WR for the Saints. Yet, he also showcased that he’s just as dangerous as a returner.
Last season, Shaheed averaged 22.0 yards per kick return while also returning a punt for a touchdown.
New York Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Following the departure of Saquon Barkley, the Giants are looking for help at running back. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. should be in the mix for some snaps in New York’s backfield, but he could be the team’s kick returner as well.
At Purdue, Tracy averaged 25.5 yards per return in 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Rodgers
The Eagles signed Isaiah Rodgers in 2023 despite his one-year suspension for gambling. Philadelphia’s decision could pay off thanks to Rodgers’ ability as a kick returner.
Not only is he in the mix as one of the team’s starting cornerbacks, but Rodgers should also be Philadelphia’s primary kick returner thanks to his career average of 27.0 yards per return.
San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Mason
Plenty of people will be begging the Niners to use Deebo Samuel as a kick returner, but San Francisco likely won’t want to expose him to unnecessary injury too often. Therefore, backup RB Jordan Mason is likely to win the job after averaging 20.0 yards per kick return last season.
Seattle Seahawks: D’Wayne Eskridge
There’s no denying that D’Wayne Eskridge has been a bust of sorts since being selected by the Seahawks in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Thanks to the new rule, though, he could revitalize his career as a kick returner. Eskridge averaged 28.0 yards per kickoff return for the Seahawks last season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving
Although Bucky Irving didn’t return a ton of kickoffs in college, his running style is exactly what teams are looking for at the position. Irving is a shifty, explosive runner who is surprisingly tough to tackle despite his small stature. Tampa Bay will likely hand the kickoff-return job to its fourth-round pick.
Washington Commanders: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Although Chris Rodriguez Jr. hasn’t returned kicks in the NFL, he did return a couple in college at Kentucky. Due to the new rules, teams will likely rely on bigger and more physical runners than they did in recent years, and Rodriguez would check both of those boxes.
