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.

Here’s the full proposal on the fourth-and-20 alternative to the onside kick as announced by the NFL today. pic.twitter.com/u6k3ED5Rpt

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2024

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.

After the Saints failed last night, teams are now 1 for 31 this year on onside kicks. NFL owners have resisted the 4th and 15 play, but the onside kick is now totally dead pic.twitter.com/bIecp1rPZe

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 22, 2023

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.