Michael Hull

NFL owners voted on a number of potential rule changes at the Annual League Meeting on Tuesday. Here is a breakdown on what was decided in Palm Beach, Fla.:

Overtime Changes

The league passed a proposal by the Philadelphia Eagles which aligns the regular season overtime rules with the postseason rules. Both teams will now have an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the first possession. In the regular season, overtime will remain 10 minutes long, as opposed to the 15-minute postseason overtime period.

Dynamic Kickoff Adjustment

The NFL implemented the dynamic kickoff on a one-year trial basis last season, and the format will return in 2025 after yielding successful results.According to a league report, the kickoff return rate increased from 21.8% to 32.8% under the new format. There will be one slight adjustment to the format: Ownership voted to move the ball spot on touchbacks up to the 35-yard line from the 30-yard line.

Expanded Replay Assist

The NFL passed a proposal by the Competition Committee to expand instant replay's ability to advise the on-field officials on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.

Negotiating Period Changes

The NFL passed the Steelers' proposal surrounding the free agency negotiating period with some modification on a one-year trial run. Clubs can now have one video or phone call with up to five potential unrestricted free agents and can book travel upon agreeing to terms. Before, clubs could only communicate with agents.

Tush Push, Playoff Seeding Discussions Tabled

The Packers proposed a ban on the "tush push" play made famous by the Eagles. The NFL decided to table the vote on this proposal, and it can be discussed again at the Spring League Meeting in May.

The league also decided to table the Lions proposal to adjust playoff seeding: The proposal would allow Wild Card teams to be seeded higher than Division Champions if the Wild Card team has a better regular season record.

Other Decisions

Ownership rejected the Lions' proposal that would eliminate the automatic first down that comes with an illegal contact or defensive holding penalty. Detroit led the league with 11 defensive holdings last season. The Bengals were called for nine defensive holding penalties and three illegal contact penalties in 2024.

The league approved a proposal brought forth by several teams allowing clubs to prepare kicking footballs ("K-Balls") before game day, similar to the process for preparing game footballs. Currently, teams must prepare kicking balls on game day. Clubs can now also obtain scouting credentials to games played by potential playoff opponents in both Weeks 17 and 18 after a proposal by the Commanders was approved.

Finally, the NFL approved two bylaw proposals concerning players returning from injury. Clubs can now designate two players for return at the final roster day (where the roster must be reduced to 53 players), and playoff teams can receive additional designated to return slots, increasing that number from eight to 10.