The rule changes for the 2026 NFL season are in. Below, we summarize the rule change, bylaw, and resolutions that were passed for the 2026 season. These were voted on and approved during the Annual League Meeting, which takes place from March 29-March 31 in Phoenix, Arizona. In order for a proposal to be adopted, it needed to receive approval by at least 75% (24) of team owners.
One of the changes that was removed from the voting process was the one that Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry
put forth about trading future draft picks. You can see more detail here about why it was pulled before it came to a vote. In a nutshell, though, it sounds like it wouldn’t have had enough support to pass, so in that case, it’s better to generate some discussion, get a feeler for what people might be more open to voting for, and then attempt a modified proposal in a future year.
Rule Changes Approved
- Rule 1 – Onside Kicks at Any Time: We’ve seen an evolution of the ‘new’ onside kick rules. In 2024, teams could only do an onside kick while trailing in the fourth quarter. Last year, they could do the kick at any time, as long as they were trailing. Per the new rule, either team can do an onside kick (although you still must declare it).
- Rule 2 – Kickoff Out of Bounds Loophole: There was a loophole where on kickoffs, if the kicking team was kicking off from the 50 yard line (due to a penalty), then kicking the ball for a touchback would put the ball at the 30 yard line, while kicking the ball out of bounds would put it at the 25 yard line. Now, kicking the ball for a touchback will just put the ball at the 20 yard line in these cases.
- Rule 3 – Kickoff Alignment for Safety: There are often tweaks to the kickoff formations for safety reasons. Adjustments were made to the number of players who can be on the restraining line or setup zone, depending on some conditions. It’ll matter for special teams coaches, but not to the casual observer.
- Rule 4a – Consulting for Player Disqualification: If a foul isn’t called on the field that is flagrant and warrants disqualification, designated members of the officiating department can step in to award a 15 yard penalty and possible disqualification of that player.
- Rule 5 – Fixing Replacement Ref Errors: For one year only, if there happens to be a work stoppage of regular NFL officials, then when the temporary officials are working a game, the officiating department of the NFL has the right to step in and correct a “clear and obvious missed call” by officials that would impact the game.
Bylaws Approved
- Bylaw 1 – 53-Man Roster for International Week 1 Games: If a team plays an international game in Week 1, this bylaw allows the league office the flexibility to adjust 53-man roster reduction deadlines in order to better accommodate travel early in the season.
- Bylaw 2 – Waiver Wire Tweaks: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend will now be treated as business days with respect to waiver wire wait times and claims.
- Bylaw 3 – Earlier PUP Activation: Instead of having to wait until Week 7 to open a 21-day practice window for players on the Reserve/PUP list, they can now begin this after the team’s second regular season game.
Resolutions Approved
- Resolution 1 – Legal Free Agency Tampering: This was done in 2025, and now made permanent: teams can have one video or phone call with up to five potential unrestricted free agents during the two-day negotiation period.
Which changes intrigue you the most, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments below.
