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 East squad.
How the New NFL Kickoff Rule Will Change Returns
The NFL is adopting a rule set similar to what the XFL introduced during the league’s return, which saw kickoff return rates skyrocket. Here are the key details:
- The kicker will kick off from the 35-yard line.
- The other 10 members of the kickoff team will line up at the returning team’s 40-yard line.
- At least nine members of the receiving team will line up five yards away at the 35-yard line.
- Up to two returners will line up in the “landing zone” (between the 20-yard line and the goal line).
- Only the kicker and returners can move before the ball hits the ground or the returner within the landing zone.
- The ball will be placed at the 30-yard line if it lands in the end zone.
- Any kick that hits the landing zone must be returned.
- If the ball lands inside the 20-yard line and rolls into the end zone, it must be returned or downed (which results in the ball being placed at the 20-yard line).
- If a kick fails to reach the landing zone or goes out of bounds, the receiving team takes possession at its 40-yard line.
- No fair catches are allowed.
The hope is the new rule will decrease violent, high-speed collisions by forcing players to line up closely and remain still until the return begins. Additionally, kickers likely will try to avoid kicking the ball into the end zone, resulting in an uptick in returns.
The hybrid kickoff rule change proposal has been approved by @NFL clubs for the 2024 season. 👇 pic.twitter.com/DggRekG3mo
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) March 26, 2024
The new kickoff rule should provide an ideal balance of entertainment for the fans and reduce injury risk for the players.
Given the reduced injury risk, multiple special teams coordinators have talked about allowing starters and even star players to return kicks.
Who Is the Best Return Option for Each NFC East 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 East team!
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.
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.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
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.
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.