Reid not sold on 4th-and-15 idea but knows Mahomes gives Chiefs edge

If the NFL signs off on a reported proposal that would give teams the option of a fourth-and-15 offensive play as an alternative to an onside kick, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid knows his team would have a big advantage due to the presence of rocket-armed quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"We've got a guy that can do fourth-and-15s," Reid said Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "He'd give us an opportunity to do that."

Support for the proposal, which was put forward by the Philadelphia Eagles, is apparently growing ahead of a May 28 owners' vote on all 2020 rule changes.

Teams would be permitted to try a fourth-and-15 play from their own 25-yard line a maximum of twice a game. The option to try an onside kick would remain.

While Reid knows Mahomes is capable of spectacular downfield plays, the 62-year-old isn't yet sold on the idea, arguing that it could reduce the importance of special teams.

"To keep the integrity of the game, you like that part of it," Reid said. "Being an old guy, I'd probably stick with the integrity of the game as it sits right now, but I can also see where the other part can be exciting, too."

After it was reported Thursday that the proposal was gaining momentum, Mahomes reacted to the potential new wrinkle on Twitter:

The reigning Super Bowl MVP is arguably the league's most dominant deep-ball passer. Last season, on third-down plays of 15 yards or more, Mahomes completed 12 of 16 attempts for 255 yards and three touchdowns, according to Teicher.