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NFL annual league meetings recap — rule changes, coaches & team execs speak

The NFL’s annual league meetings have wrapped until their next round in May. During Monday’s newsletter we examined every rule that was proposed to be changed. Today we take a look at the ones that did, as well as other changes an updates that emerged from the meetings.

Ball placement on kickoffs: The ball will now be spotted at the 35-yard line for touchbacks, moving up five yards from the 30. The league changed the kickoff rules before the 2024 season, of which you can view the specifics here. The goal was to return kickoff returns back to relevancy, which was a success as there were 332 more last season. That number should increase in 2025 with the new rule change. A number of kick return specialists now have much more value to their team.

Overtime rules: The postseason overtime rules are now in effect for the regular season. That means both teams will have an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the first possession. The only difference will be the length of the OT period, which will be 10 minutes in the regular season, and 15 minutes in the postseason.

Instant replay assistance expanded: On-field officials will now receive correction for calls that were that were proven wrong by “clear and obvious” video evidence. For example, non-reviewable penalties can be erased for hits on a defenseless player, face mask, horse collar, tripping and roughing/running into the kicker, so long as it was clearly determined that those incidents did not occur.

Free agent negotiations: Teams can now have one video or phone call with no more than five unrestricted free agents, and can book travel upon agreeing to terms. Previously, teams could only have contact with agents 52 hours previous until free agency officially begins. However, this rule change is currently in effect for one year only on a trial run basis.

One rule rejected, two tabled: The Lions’ proposal to eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding and illegal contact was rejected. However, Detroit’s proposal to adjust playoff seeding was tabled to a later date, likely the league’s next meeting in May. The NFL also tabled a vote on a proposal by the Green Bay Packers to ban the tush push. It should be fascinating to see how that one unfolds as teams seem pretty evenly divided on the polarizing play.

New method for determining first downs: Sony's Hawk-Eye technology will be used by the NFL as the primary method for measuring the line to gain in 2025, consisting of six 8K cameras for optical tracking of the position of the ball. The chain crew will remain for a secondary option in case the technology is flawed. You can read more details about Sony’s Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system here.

Flag football in 2028 Summer Olympics: Commissioner Rodger Goodell said that a decision is coming soon on whether NFL players will be allowed to participate in flag football during the 2028 Summer Olympics. Many players from around the NFL are excited at the prospect on representing their countries during the Olympic games.

Titans give update on star CB, address Will Levis trade rumors: The Titans expect L’Jarius Sneed to be ready to go by training camp following a quad injury that cost him 12 games last season. Sneed was their prize acquisition during the 2024 offseason, trading a 2025 third-round pick for him. Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker also disputed reports of the team’s intentions to trade quarterback Will Levis.

Mike Vrabel gives lengthy interview, Eliot Wolf discusses No. 4 overall pick: Vrabel spoke to reporters for over 30 minutes during the league meetings, hitting on a variety of topics ranging from the Patriots’ free agent signings, their draft approach, and roster building. Wolfe also spoke, and said that New England is open to trading their first-round draft pick.

Andy Reid discusses Travis Kelce’s status, falls victim to prank by the team’s social media team: Reid said that Kelce “wants to come back and he’s training like crazy, too.” After mulling retirement, Kelce has decided to stick around through at least the 2025 season. In a hilarious April Fool’s prank, the Chiefs’ social media team edited out Reid’s iconic mustache in a picture of him, owner Clark Hunt, GM Brett Veach, and President Mark Donavan from the league meetings.

Steelers remain patient on Aaron Rodgers, but growing agitated: Steelers owner Art Rooney II is still optimistic that the team will land Rodgers, but also stated that they won’t wait around forever for him. Multiple NFL insiders have reported that the Steelers are getting agitated with the veteran QB. Rodgers has already met with Pittsburgh, so the continued delay is becoming less understandable.

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NFL Global Markets Program expands

The NFL has added these four teams to their global markets programs:

• Baltimore Ravens
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Washington Commanders
• Green Bay Packers

The Global Markets Program gives teams exclusive marketing rights in specific countries. The Ravens now have marketing rights in the United Kingdom, the Chargers in Greece, the Commanders in United Arab Emirates, and the Packers in Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Nine other teams have expanded to additional countries, such as:

• Kansas City Chiefs: Spain, Ireland and United Kingdom
• Detroit Lions: Brazil
• Arizona Cardinals: Canada
• Indianapolis Colts: Switzerland
• Las Vegas Raiders: Australia and New Zealand
• Los Angeles Rams: United Arab Emirates
• Philadelphia Eagles: Brazil
• San Francisco 49ers: United Arab Emirates
• Seattle Seahawks: Australia and New Zealand

29 out of 32 teams now participate in the program. You can view the full list here. The NFL will play seven international games in 2025 across five different countries. According to multiple league sources, the Chiefs are being strongly considered to face the Chargers in Week 1 in São Paulo, Brazil.

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