Frisco, Texas – NFL Rule Changes and Future Plans for the Cowboys

At the recent NFL owners meeting held in Palm Beach, Florida, some changes were made to the league’s playing rules and regulations. Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ COO and co-owner, who also co-chairs the NFL’s competition committee, was involved in discussing various submitted proposals. Here are some key updates for the Dallas Cowboys and the league as a whole.

One significant change coming in 2025 is the banning of certain player celebrations. This includes CeeDee Lamb’s popular “nose wipe,” which has been categorized as a “violent gesture” due to its supposed gang connotations. The league has expanded its list of banned gestures to include throat slashes and pretending to brandish a gun, which will now incur a 15-yard penalty if performed.

Another important change is the new dynamic kickoff rule, which will remain in effect after a successful trial period in 2024. Under this new rule, if a kickoff results in a touchback, the receiving team will start from their 35-yard line, instead of the previous 30-yard line. This aims to encourage more returns and could be beneficial for KaVontae Turpin, who recently became a First-Team All-Pro kick returner.

In addition, the NFL has decided to implement the overtime format used in the playoffs for the regular season as well. The overtime playing period will now be 10 minutes instead of 15 minutes, and if no team wins by the end, the game will simply end in a tie.

This offseason holds significant promise for the Cowboys, especially with contract negotiations for star pass rusher Micah Parsons in the spotlight. The team has expressed interest in bringing in an “explosive” second wide receiver to help CeeDee Lamb. The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft is a critical time for the Cowboys as they seek to address these needs while considering the players that can enhance the roster.

In quarterback news, the backup position is wide open, with Will Grier looking to secure his spot behind Dak Prescott. The Cowboys also have their eyes on Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord as a potential draft target, showing a clear intent to inject some youth into their quarterback room.

As the offseason progresses, the Dallas Cowboys are strategically planning for the future while also adapting to the new rules established by the NFL.