Detroit Lions, NFL announce approved rule changes for 2026 season

April 3, 2026, 5:01 p.m. ET

Ahead of the 2026 season, the 32 NFL owners approved five rule changes presented by the Competition Committee at the NFL’s annual league meetings on April 1.

Here’s a look at the approved rule changes:

Approved NFL rules changes for 2026 seasonTo permit the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game.To eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.To modify the kickoff alignment requirements for the receiving team players in the setup zone.To allow League personnel to consult with on-field officials when considering disqualifications for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts without being called on the field.For one year only, to allow the NFL Officiating department to correct clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game, in the event that there is a work stoppage involving the game officials represented by the NFL Referees Association.