The NFL is once again looking to tweak its kickoff rules, and if the proposed changes go through, return specialists could be back in business in a big way. The league saw a 57% rise in kickoff returns last year under the new “dynamic kickoff” system, but officials want even more.
Now, there’s a strong push to move the touchback spot to the 35-yard line or even push the kicker back five yards to encourage even more returns.
That could be great news for teams with explosive returners, but for the Baltimore Ravens, it also serves as a bittersweet reminder of what they lost. Jacoby Jones, one of the most electrifying returners in franchise history, passed away last year at just 40 years old. A fan favorite and Super Bowl hero, Jones thrived in an era when kick returns were still a legitimate skill and factor—and these new rules could have made him even more dangerous.
With the NFL looking to bring back the excitement of the return game, it’s time for the Ravens to start searching for their next Jacoby Jones.
New NFL kickoff rule will have Ravens fans looking for the next Jacoby Jones
The proposed rule changes aim to increase the number of returns while keeping the emphasis on player safety. The two biggest tweaks under consideration are:
- Moving the touchback from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, discouraging kickers from blasting the ball out of the end zone.
- Moving the kickoff spot from the 35-yard line to the 30, making it harder for kickers to reach the end zone in the first place.
For teams with a legitimate return threat, this could change everything. And if these rules had existed back in 2012, Jacoby Jones’ numbers might have been even more ridiculous.
Jones was a game-changer in Baltimore, racking up over 3,000 kickoff return yards and four touchdowns in three seasons with the Ravens. His 108-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVII remains the longest play in Super Bowl history, and his 30.7-yard average on kick returns in 2012 led the NFL.
If the new kickoff rules lead to more opportunities, Baltimore needs to make sure they have someone ready to take advantage.
They haven’t had an elite returner since Jones, but they might have some in-house options who could thrive under the new rules.
- Deonte Harty: The Ravens brought in the former New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills return man this offseason, and if anyone on the roster has the potential to be a true game-changer, it’s him. Harty was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro as a rookie in 2019, averaging 26.8 yards per kick return and taking a punt 53 yards to the house. Injuries have slowed him down in recent years, but if he can regain his form, he could be the best bet.
- Tylan Wallace: Wallace stepped up with a walk-off punt return touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the 2023 season, proving he has the vision, speed, and shiftiness to make plays in space. If the Ravens want a homegrown return specialist, he could be the guy.
- Justice Hill: A running back with breakaway speed, Hill has returned kicks in the past and could be a sneaky option to handle more duties if Baltimore doesn’t bring in a returner through the draft or free agency.
With the kickoff game becoming more important again, the Ravens have a chance to channel the energy of Jacoby Jones and find a returner who can flip the field in an instant. He will forever live in Ravens' lore for his 108-yard touchdown return in Super Bowl XLVII. Now, there's a chance Ravens fans can see more electric moments like that with this proposed new kickoff rule.
Jones was one of a kind, but if these new rules bring back the value of a true return specialist, Baltimore would be wise to start searching for the next big play waiting to happen.