The same day the NFL changed its kick-off rule for the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed former All-Pro-Bowl return specialist Cordarelle Patterson to a one-year contract. The 33-year old was a former #1-draft pick as a wide receiver in 2013, but has evolved into a multi-use player in recent years with Chicago and Atlanta.
The NFL adopted a new kick-off rule for one season based on what the XFL used during its existence, which will allow for more kick-off returns, but also promotes safety.
But-so much for safety:
The NFL has expanded their season to 17 games and certainly will aim for more, and in addition, is moving further and further away from being a weekend feature. In the 2024 season, games will be featured on every weekday but a Tuesday. They continue to bleed into Friday games (which even college football has long avoided due to high school football…) and will expand into playing on a Wednesday. Christmas 2024 falls mid-week and the NFL plans to continue playing two games on CHRISTMAS DAY. With the game being mid-week, the four teams involved would be forced to play the previous Saturday to allow for “rest”.