The NFL has previously considered alternatives to the onside kick that would give teams a chance to keep the ball by lining their offense on the field and converting a fourth-and-long.
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The NFL's football operations group and the competition committee continue to discuss modifications to the kickoff, which underwent a radical change last offseason. After moving the touchback from the 25-yard-line to the 30, the NFL is prepared to move another 5 yards to the 35 to encourage fewer kicks into the end zone -- thus more returns.
New kickoff rules in 2024 increased the rate of returns from about 22% in 2023 to about 33% last season, and there are tweaks set to boost that rate.
Onside kick recovery rates have been hovering around 5% lately after being usually double that number, or even more. Teams can no longer overload one side of the field with players on the kicking team, significantly reducing recovery chance. Now, with the new NFL kickoff rules that debuted last year, you can’t even attempt a surprise onside kick.
Increased use of replay assist, discussion on women's sports with Caitlin Clark,Serena Williams set for NFL's annual meeting in Palm Beach next week.
According to a report from NFL Media, the Falcons agreed to terms on a three-year deal with German-born kicker Lenny Krieg. Krieg participated in the NFL Scouting Combine last month and reportedly impressed teams at the International Player Pathway pro day held earlier this week.
The football would be spotted at the 35-yard line instead of the 30 on a touchback on a kickoff, a modification designed to boost the return rate.