The NFL is set to propose touchbacks on kickoffs coming out to the 35 yard line. Will that increase the kickoff return rate?
In the 2024 NFL season, the league saw a kickoff return rate of ~33% up from ~22% in 2023. This increase was due to the complicated changes in kickoff rules involving the all-important “landing zone” as well as some tweaks to where the ball was spotted.
It looks like this season the NFL is not content with what they saw in 2024. The competition committee will be looking at one more slight tweak to put the spot of a touchback at the 35-yard line instead of the 30.
The thinking here will incentivize more teams to kick returnable kicks into the landing zone instead of kicking so many touchbacks. On the flip side, more teams may also take a touchback for kicks going into the end zone instead of bringing them out. I honestly am all for a change that continues to help make the special teams game a core component of the game of football.
Broncos News
2025 NFL Draft: A post-free agency Broncos mock draft roundup
Following the initial waves of free agency, here’s a look at several analysts’ projections for the Broncos’ first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Other NFL News
QB Russell Wilson signing with Giants on one-year, $10.5M deal
Russell Wilson is signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday.
2025 NFL Draft: Six win-win first-round trades teams should make
Are the Packers going to move up for a cornerback? Will the Chiefs chase a defensive tackle to pair with All-Pro Chris Jones? Chad Reuter provides six logical first-round trades for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Patriots signing WR Stefon Diggs to three-year, $69 million max deal
Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs and the New England Patriots have reached a three-year, $69 million max deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
J.J. McCarthy: Vikings ‘haven’t told me’ I’m the starting QB, and ‘I’m happy’ they didn’t
The Minnesota Vikings recently put out word that they’re all in on J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback heading into 2025, but speaking on the “Up & Adams” show on Tuesday, the 22-year-old said the team hasn’t told him such news and he’s happy that
Tom Brady: ‘Natural tension’ with Bill Belichick led to split with Patriots
In discussing hitting free agency, Tom Brady detailed a “natural tension” that arose with Bill Belichick in New England after 20 years together.
NFL news roundup: Ravens signing CB Chidobe Awuzie; Giants sign WR Zach Pascal, OL Aaron Stinnie
NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com’s transaction hub for a daily breakdown.
Sources – Titans impressed with Cam Ward, eye better trade haul – ESPN
The Titans plan to hold an additional private workout and throwing session with Ward, whom the team has become increasingly impressed with, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Source – NFL likely to propose touchback-spot tweak on kickoffs – ESPN
The NFL’s competition committee is likely to propose a change to the league’s kickoff rules that could raise return rates for the 2025 season, a source confirmed.
Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy sues ex-fiancée, alleges extortion, abuse – ESPN
Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy is suing his former fiancée in Williamson County, Texas, alleging she engaged in extortion and assaulted him.
Ken Whisenhunt takes personal leave from UFL’s Showboats – ESPN
Ken Whisenhunt, the coach of the UFL’s Memphis Showboats, has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons. Jim Turner will serve as coach in his absence.
How Giants’ Signing of Russell Wilson Affects Decision About Rodgers, Shedeur Sanders
The Giants now have three quarterbacks on their roster, will they add another by signing Rodgers or drafting Sanders?