Report: NFL likely to propose moving touchbacks to 35-yard line

The NFL's competition committee is likely to propose moving the spot of touchbacks on kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35, a source told ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

Moving the spot of a touchback to the 35-yard line would further incentivize the kickoff team to place kicks in the landing zone, creating more kick-return opportunities.

The NFL adopted a new kickoff format last season in an attempt to make the play safer while simultaneously increasing the number of returns. Last year's return rate of 32.8% was a marked increase from the 2023 campaign's 21.8%, but it was still a lower rate than any season since at least 2000, per Seifert.

Seven kickoffs were returned for touchdowns during the 2024 season - the highest mark since 2020, when there were also seven.

The initial 2024 proposal would've placed touchbacks at the 35-yard line last season, but it was changed to the 30 during final discussions.

The committee is expected to submit the proposal in time for the league meetings that begin Sunday, where NFL owners will vote on a number of potential rule changes.