In recent years, NFL kickoffs have essentially become an extension of the commercial break during games. However, the NFL’s new kickoff rule should change that in 2024.
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 South 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)
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 South 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 South team!
Atlanta Falcons: Ray-Ray McCloud
Although Avery Williams has established himself as a top punt returner, Ray-Ray McCloud is likely the better option on kickoffs. Williams has averaged just 20.6 yards per kick return in his career, while McCloud has averaged 22.6 on significantly more opportunities.
Carolina Panthers: Raheem Blackshear
In two seasons with the Panthers, Raheem Blackshear has already established himself as one of the best kick returners in the NFL. He’s averaged a whopping 26.9 yards per return and should retain the primary job for the Panthers in 2024.
MORE: Simulate the 2024 NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
New Orleans Saints: Rashid Shaheed
Rashid Shaheed burst onto the scene last season as a dangerous wide receiver for the Saints. He also showcased that he’s just as dangerous as a returner.
Last season, Shaheed averaged 22.0 yards per kick return and returned a punt for a touchdown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving
Although Bucky Irving didn’t return a ton of kickoffs in college, his running style is exactly what teams are looking for at the position. Irving is a shifty, explosive runner who is surprisingly tough to tackle despite his small stature.
Tampa Bay will likely hand the kickoff-return job to its fourth-round pick.
