New ‘unnecessary risk’ rules announced by NFL for 2025 season and major Pittsburgh Steelers resolution changes

SIGNIFICANT rule changes to protect players have been announced by the NFL for the upcoming season.

There is also a change that was proposed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

AP

The NFL announced new rules for the 2025 season[/caption]

AP

Last season, the NFL switched to the dynamic kickoff, which is a new set of rules implemented to make kickoffs more safer.

The free kick play involves aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed.

The touchback was also spotted at the 30.

During this offseason, the NFL’s owners approved “unnecessary risk” rules that affect the existing dynamic kickoff.

The touchback will be placed at the 35-yard line for the 2025 season.

Another new dynamic kickoff rule is “modifying the alignment requirements for receiving team players in the setup zone so they may have a maximum of three players in the setup zone not on the restraining line, but never more than one player in each of the three areas within the setup zone bordered by the sidelines and inbounds lines.”

The last rule change to the dynamic kickoff is letting teams declare an onside kick at any point during a game.

However, the decision can only be made if the team is trailing their opponent.

Last season only saw teams declare onside kicks during the fourth quarter – a rule change that was made in 2024.

The other rule changes include added responsibilities to its replay assist program and an overtime modification.

As for the approved bylaws and resolutions, the NFL approved a proposal by Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.

The league approved a proposal by the Steelers to allow franchises to have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective free agents during the two-day negotiating period before the start of free agency.

The bylaw also permits teams to make travel arrangements with the players upon agreeing to a deal.

The resolution is just for one year only.

Before the 2025 season, teams could speak only with the agent of the team during the negotiating period.

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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on before a playoff game in January[/caption]

Other resolutions included an approved proposal by the Washington Commanders.

The new rule allows clubs that qualify for the playoffs to receive scouting credentials for two consecutive games during Weeks 17 and 18 played by a potential postseason opponent.

The rule also requires teams hosting Wild Card games to give scouting credentials to all franchises within the same conference who will be in the playoffs.

And another resolution by seven teams was approved which “permits clubs to prepare kicking footballs before game day.”