Eagles Propose NFL Rule Change for Alternate Option to Onside Kicks

The NFL will hold its league meetings next week, which means owners will vote on potential rule changes. This year, there will be four different rules proposals on the docket, but one change put forth by the Philadelphia Eagles is arguably the most interesting.

The Eagles proposed a rule that replaces an onside kick attempt with one fourth-and-20 play from the kicking team’s 25-yard line. If the offense converts, they keep the ball as they would if they recovered an onside kick attempt.

This is not the first time the Eagles have proposed this amendment, as the franchise previously failed to get it passed in recent years. This year, the NFL will once again discuss the proposal as onside kicks continue to fade.

At one point last December, teams had only converted one of the previous 31 onside kick attempts, proving that the play has lost its luster.

Besides this proposal, the Eagles also submitted a change that “would eliminate the first touch spot after the receiving team possesses the ball.” Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions proposed adding a third challenge if a coach wins his first challenge in a game, and the Indianapolis Colts proposed allowing officials to review any called foul inside of two minutes.