Onside kick alternative, expanded jersey numbers among proposed rule changes
On Thursday, the NFL announced the proposed rule changes submitted by teams ahead of the 2021 campaign.
For a second straight year, the Philadelphia Eagles suggested a fourth-and-15 offensive play from the kicking team's 25-yard line as an alternative to an onside kick.
Owners shelved the idea in 2020 despite it gaining traction ahead of the vote, so the league will revisit it this year.
The Baltimore Ravens submitted two proposals that call for adjustments to overtime based on the idea of "spot and choose." As reported in March, one team would select the spot of the ball to begin the extra frame, while the other would then choose whether to play offense or defense, thus mitigating the impact of the coin toss.
The Kansas City Chiefs also proposed a rule change, suggesting the league expands jersey number options for certain positions.
The Kansas City Chiefs have proposed expanding jersey number options at certain positions. The proposed numbers:
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) April 1, 2021
QB/P/K: 1-19
RB/FB/TE/WR: 1–49 and 80-89
OL: 50–79
DL: 50–79 and 90–99
LB: 1–59 and 90–99
DB: 1–49
Rule-change submissions were sent to owners for consideration. The league will then discuss them with coaches and general managers later this month, with a vote expected shortly after.