logo
Recapping the approved NFL rule changes coming for 2025

Recapping the approved NFL rule changes coming for 2025

USA Today01-04-2025

Recapping the approved NFL rule changes coming for 2025 The NFL adopted several rules proposals, including changes to overtime and replay assist, but show down one of the Lions' proposals and tabled another
The Lions' push to eliminate automatic first downs on defensive holding and illegal contact failed to motion during Tuesday's vote at the Annual League Meeting. Two other proposals from Detroit were tabled until May.
Those were among a host of proposals voted on by the owners Tuesday. Here's a recap.
Touchbacks on kickoffs now at the 35
Touchbacks on kickoffs will now bring the ball out to the 35-yard line. Last season, touchbacks came out to the 30. The original proposal last season was going to bring the ball to the 35, but was amended to the 30. The hope for the league is this will create more returns on kickoffs, as touchbacks to the 35 will look to de-incentivize teams from kicking deep.
Both teams get possess the football in overtime in the regular season
Overtime in the regular season will now have the same rules as in the postseason, with the exception of the amount of time in the period. Regular-season overtime will remain 10 minutes, but both teams will have the opportunity to possess the football, just like in the postseason. Overtime in the playoffs will remain 15 minutes, which was the original proposal for this year for the regular season but was amended.
Replay assist expanded
Replay assist will be expanded to help officials on penalties called on the field. It will not, however, be meant to call penalties that were not initially called on the field. This is just to help pick up flags when needed.
IR designation at roster cutdown
Article XVII, Section 17.16 of the Constitution and Bylaws was amended to allow teams to designate two players for return at the roster reduction to 53 players.
Additional designated injured reserve returns
Teams that make the postseason will receive two additional "Designated for Returns", increasing their maximum from eight players to 10.
Point differential as tiebreaker for contracts
Point Differential will now be the third tiebreaker for awarding contracts.
Video and phone calls during legal tampering
As a one-year experiment, teams can have one video or phone call with up to five free unrestricted free agents during the two-day legal tampering period before free agency officially begins. Teams can make travel arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms.
Kicking balls can now be prepared
Teams can now prepare kicking football ("K-Balls") before game day, similar to the process allowed for game balls.
Scouting credentials for potential playoff opponents
Teams that may qualify for the postseason can obtain scouting credentials for games in Weeks 17 and 18 played by potential postseason opponents. Teams hosting Wild Card games now also have to provide scouting credentials to all teams within the same conference who are participating in the postseason.
Other tabled proposals
Among the proposals that were tabled until May include the big one in many eyes — the vote to eliminate the Tush Push. Also on the table is Detroit's proposal to seed postseason teams based on record, but could be amended to where the current format would be used unless a division winner finishes below .500, in which case they would not get a home playoff game.
The Lions also had a proposal tabled that would have allowed teams to place players on injured reserve before the roster cutdown to 53 players to not count against the 90-man roster. Between the active roster, injured reserve and other lists, teams currently cannot hold more than 90 players on their roster during the season.
Rich McKay, Co-Chairman of the Competition Committee and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, said one potential amendment that could be discussed is increasing the limit to 95 players after the trade deadline.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Patriots' Christian Barmore Is Out To Prove He's Still Himself In 2025
Patriots' Christian Barmore Is Out To Prove He's Still Himself In 2025

Forbes

time20 minutes ago

  • Forbes

Patriots' Christian Barmore Is Out To Prove He's Still Himself In 2025

New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has returned in full after being limited to ... More four games due to blood clots in 2024. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Christian Barmore intends on keeping last year behind him. After missing all but four games in 2024 due to complications stemming from blood clots, the New England Patriots defensive tackle has been medically cleared for a full return in 2025. And since players reported back to Gillette Stadium for the offseason workout program, he's been among them from April into June. That's the plan moving forward. 'That stuff I went through, man, I would never, ever want anybody to go through that," Barmore told reporters following Monday's session of mandatory minicamp. "That stuff, imagine someone stopping you from breathing, literally like stopping you. Now, I can breathe again. Now, them lungs open up, so it's like what's up. I'm good, man. Good to go. Green light.' The 25-year-old Barmore had been placed on the non-football illness list as active rosters around the NFL reduced to 53 last August. He was moved back to the list in December after experiencing recurring symptoms. In between the shutdowns arrived 123 defensive snaps. Those snaps brought one sack and six total tackles. 'There's really just a lot of fire in my heart," Barmore said. "I can say that because I feel like after that situation, people forgot who I am. So I'm just really bringing a lot of competitive with me. Every day when I'm on this field, it's just to prove that I'm still me and I'm always going to be me.' Last spring, Barmore signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension with New England. It carried a maximum value of $92 million as well as $41.8 million in guarantees. The agreement came on the heels of a 2023 campaign that spanned 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a team-high 8.5 sacks for Barmore. Pro Football Focus charted his degree of disruption for 49 combined quarterback pressures. He also had a hand in six pass breakups and one forced fumble while appearing in every game. 'I feel really confident in myself because, one, I'm breathing, talking," the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barmore said as sights turn toward training camp. "I'm just having fun, talking stuff, talking smack. Just having a good time with my teammates and playing hard.' Since landing in Foxborough at pick No. 38 overall in the 2021 NFL draft, the former University of Alabama national champion's run has included 48 games, 139 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and 11 starts. And now, a restart. 'Well, I'm not going to comment on Christian's medical status. I'll leave that up to him, but what I've seen is a player that is excited and that is coachable,' Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said during his Monday press conference. 'Extremely coachable. He has some versatility. He's rushed inside. He's lined up outside. He's worked extremely hard. You've seen him chase and play with great effort down the field. I'm excited to see where he's at, but I've seen a lot of just improvement and a lot of engagement from him since the time that we've been here.'

Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'
Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'

Yahoo

time29 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'

Myles Garrett is a man of tradition. When his penchant for destroying quarterbacks and love of celebrating Halloween intersect, it's lovely. Garrett's Ohio home has long been the staging ground to an elaborate seasonal display. Headstones dot a front-yard-turned-cemetery. On them lie the names of some of the quarterbacks Garrett has sacked in his NFL career. Joe Burrow is there. Lamar Jackson, too. Ben Roethlisberger has effectively established a residency among the grass (though admittedly the immobile, massive Home Depot skeleton would have been a better place for him). Kyler Murray made an appearance, which bummed him out. Advertisement Now he's got a new name in mind to add to his collection. Four-time NFL MVP and brand new Pittsburgh Steeler Aaron Rodgers. Fortunately for Garrett, Rodgers is easier to sack than ever. The 41-year-old is still recovering from the torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season after four plays. His 6.4 yards per scramble in 2024 were significantly below the NFL average for starting quarterbacks (7.9). His 94 rushing yards were the lowest of his career as a full-time starter. Garrett didn't need the help -- after all, he's already got the ultra-mobile Murray and Jackson amidst his collection of corpses -- but Rodgers does present an opportunity. The All-Pro edge rusher has only played Rodgers' teams twice in an eight-year career. Rodgers missed both due to injury as a Green Bay Packer in 2017 and as a New York Jet in 2023. Advertisement Thus, Garrett will get the chance to add Rodgers to a list of multiple-time MVPs in Jackson and Tom Brady amidst his boneyard. "Put him in the graveyard" isn't the threat it seems like given the context. But knowing how little the Steelers and Browns care for each other, it's the right sentiment for this rivalry. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'

Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'
Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'

USA Today

time30 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard'

Myles Garrett anticipates Aaron Rodgers' arrival to his infamous 'graveyard' Myles Garrett is a man of tradition. When his penchant for destroying quarterbacks and love of celebrating Halloween intersect, it's lovely. Garrett's Ohio home has long been the staging ground to an elaborate seasonal display. Headstones dot a front-yard-turned-cemetery. On them lie the names of some of the quarterbacks Garrett has sacked in his NFL career. Joe Burrow is there. Lamar Jackson, too. Ben Roethlisberger has effectively established a residency among the grass (though admittedly the immobile, massive Home Depot skeleton would have been a better place for him). Kyler Murray made an appearance, which bummed him out. Now he's got a new name in mind to add to his collection. Four-time NFL MVP and brand new Pittsburgh Steeler Aaron Rodgers. Fortunately for Garrett, Rodgers is easier to sack than ever. The 41-year-old is still recovering from the torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season after four plays. His 6.4 yards per scramble in 2024 were significantly below the NFL average for starting quarterbacks (7.9). His 94 rushing yards were the lowest of his career as a full-time starter. Garrett didn't need the help -- after all, he's already got the ultra-mobile Murray and Jackson amidst his collection of corpses -- but Rodgers does present an opportunity. The All-Pro edge rusher has only played Rodgers' teams twice in an eight-year career. Rodgers missed both due to injury as a Green Bay Packer in 2017 and as a New York Jet in 2023. Thus, Garrett will get the chance to add Rodgers to a list of multiple-time MVPs in Jackson and Tom Brady amidst his boneyard. "Put him in the graveyard" isn't the threat it seems like given the context. But knowing how little the Steelers and Browns care for each other, it's the right sentiment for this rivalry.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store