More kick return opportunities should be coming this season for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the rest of the NFL.
Among the few rule changes made at the annual NFL league meetings was moving touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, to incentivize teams to keep the ball in play on kickoffs, leading to more return attempts.
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, the NFL is projecting to see a significant increase in return rate around the 60%-70% mark after being at roughly 33% last season.
During the 2024 season, the Jaguars ranked in the bottom half of the NFL at 18th in kick return attempts. Leading the way was Devin Duvernay, who is now playing for the Chicago Bears.
Tank Bigsby found some success on his six return attempts, averaging 32.5 yards per return, which ranked as the 18th most in the NFL. Parker Washington had some opportunities as well, but averaged only 24.4 yards per return, according to PFF.
This rule change could put an added emphasis on having a dynamic return man. If teams are a lot less likely to kick the ball into the end zone, then having someone who can put the offense in an advantageous starting field position becomes a premium.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL rule change: More kick return opportunities for Jaguars
