The NFL’s annual spring owners meeting has been robust with reform. This year saw hip-drop tackles get banned via 15-yard penalty and subjective rule language that could create a bigger problem than it solves. The owners also approved a one-year pilot program for new kickoffs that will test kickers’ ability to place the ball and returners’ ability to create space in a compressed field.
There were changes to off-the-field procedure as well. Most notably, the NFL’s trade deadline — once a gaping hole where headlines dared to venture and now a reasonable backdrop for a flurry of deals — was pushed back a week. This year, the last day teams will be able to swap players will be November 5.
And if that feels familiar, well…
That’s right, November 5, 2024 also happens to be Election Day. This means Americans will head to the polls to cast their vote for president and potentially be interrupted by a phone notification that Russell Wilson has been traded for a swap of seventh round picks.
