The NFL will make kick returns much more exciting this season. After more than 70% of kickoffs were touchbacks in 2023, the new kickoff rules are designed to increase the number of returnable kicks significantly.
With the change in rules, we have identified every team’s best option at kick returner, but today, we specifically look at the four teams in the AFC South.
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 AFC South Team?
Houston Texans: Dameon Pierce
After a promising rookie season in 2022, Dameon Pierce disappointed at running back last year. However, he emerged as a potentially elite kick returner, making the most of seven total returns. Pierce averaged an absurd 32.1 yards per return, including one 98-yard kickoff return for a score.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Gould
While Josh Downs could be in the mix here, rookie WR Anthony Gould offers a ton of upside as a returner. Gould returned just one kickoff during his college career, but he was an elite punt returner, averaging 16.3 yards per return with two touchdowns. His game-breaking speed could prove to be a lethal weapon for the Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Duvernay
Devin Duvernay flew under the radar as one of Jacksonville’s free agent signings this offseason. He showed elite potential as a kick returner while in Baltimore, especially early in his career.
Duvernay will likely benefit from the new kickoff rules and should be Jacksonville’s primary kick returner in 2024.
Tennessee Titans: Tyjae Spears
After an impressive rookie season, Tyjae Spears could be in line for a bigger workload at running back, and he’ll also likely be Tennessee’s primary kick returner in 2024. Spears returned kicks during his rookie season and averaged 20.8 yards per return.