On Tuesday, the NFL announced the approval of four new rule changes. These rules mostly revolve around special teams.
Interestingly, multiple of these rules have connections to the New Orleans Saints.
Kicking teams can now declare an onside at any time
While “ambush” is not fully restored, NFL teams are now allowed to declare an onside kick at any point during a game. Before the change, teams must have been losing, and only in the fourth quarter.
These original rules came with the kickoff system. Many NFL fans, including Saints fans, were upset with the change,
as the element of surprise is eliminated. While the change has now been made that NFL teams can declare an onside kick at any moment, there is still a lack of surprise.
Due to this, the NFL is looking into a fourth-down conversion instead, similar to one demonstrated in the UFL.
The ball landing out of bounds on kickoffs is now placed at the 50-yard line
A ball landing out of bounds on kickoff returns now results in the offense being placed at the 50-yard line. This is an additional 10 yards to the original rule, where the ball would be placed at the 40.
This rule change comes as teams opted to kick the ball out of bounds rather than allowing teams to attempt a return. The NFL is still looking to make kickoffs more interesting, and this adds to their movement.
Modification to kickoff allignments
In continuation of trying to advance kickoffs, the NFL announced it will modify kickoff alignment. While the details have not been fully released, this change affects the receiving team in the setup zone.
Allowing the NFL Officiating Department to correct clear misses by on-field officials
The NFL is preparing for a work stoppage involving game officials represented by the NFL Referees Association. The league is currently working towards hiring replacement refs.
With such a significant change, the NFL will allow the officiating department to call in on clear misses by the on-field officials. This is a one-year rule as the league works towards a deal with the NFL Referees Association.
