The NFL made a massive change to special teams on Tuesday. They approved some noteworthy adjustments to kickoffs, and every player will have to take notice.
With the change on the horizon, Rashid Shaheed may get more unique opportunities to return kicks for New Orleans.
Kicking off a new era: Owners just approved the NFL Hybrid Kickoff rule, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2024
After years of tweaks turned one of the game’s most exciting moments into a “dead, ceremonial play”, the league hopes this overhaul will yield what it wants: fewer injuries and more returns. pic.twitter.com/jHLAjZJm0z
Shaheed is arguably the best returner in football. He was a Pro Bowl PR/KR last season, and he is only improving. Shaheed is a dynamic athlete that is a spark plug on special teams and offense.
The new rule effectively allows more opportunities for returns and avoids injuries more often. Injuries were a key part of why the league wanted to adjust kickoffs because those have risen in recent years. That is no surprise when you have athletes running full speed, colliding with each other in pursuit of tackles and blocks.
The NFL just passed a new kickoff rule that will look like this, per @AdamSchefter
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 26, 2024
pic.twitter.com/VcQs7QrSto
Shaheed and the Saints will need to take advantage of the major change.
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