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 West 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 West 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 West 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.
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.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
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.