2026 NFL Rule Change Proposals Revealed, Includes Contingencies for Referee Work Stoppage

The NFL revealed this year's set of rule change proposals ahead of the league meetings in Phoenix next week.

Some of the proposals included changes to onside kicks and a system to allow the correction of "clear and obvious misses made by on-field officials that impact the game."

If there is a work stoppage involving the game officials represented by the NFL Referees Association, the NFL Officiating Department would be tabbed with correcting calls that impact the outcome of games. There was also a proposal 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."

Onside kicks were amended last year to eliminate the surprise element of the play. Under the current rules, teams are only allowed to declare onside kicks while trailing, but the proposed rule change would allow them to declare them at any time.

In addition to the five rule changes submitted by the NFL competition committee, the Pittsburgh Steelers proposed a resolution to "make permanent the change implemented during the 2025 season that permits clubs to have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective Unrestricted Free Agent during the Two-Day Negotiation Period, and to permit clubs to make travel arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms." The Cleveland Browns also submitted a proposal to "allow draft selections to be traded up to five (5) seasons in the future."

Each rule change will need at least 24 votes to be adopted for the 2026 season. Voting will take place on March 29 at the annual league meeting.