Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City.

After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, theChiefsare loading up for another go at the Super Bowl in 2026. Major moves on offense and defense will see a much different Kansas City roster.

The Chiefssigned reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker IIIto give them more explosiveness at the running back position. WithPatrick Mahomessidelined while recovering from atorn ACL, the teamtraded for former first-round pick Justin Fieldsas another depth piece at quarterback.

On defense, starting cornerbacksJaylen WatsonandTrent McDuffieare both now with theLos Angeles Ramsvia free agency and trade, respectively.The McDuffie tradenetted Kansas City another first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Up front, defensive linemanKhyiris Tongacomes to the Chiefs from the defending AFC champion Patriots.

It's not all new faces as franchise iconTravis Kelce signed a one-year deal to return to Kansas Cityfor 2026.

2026 NFL DRAFT:Ranking the top 150 best players available

As the dust settles on the major moves of free agency, the team can look ahead to building out its roster in the 2026 NFL draft. Armed with multiple first-round picks, the Chiefs can make key picks to improve the future of the roster. Here's how the Chiefs' draft could look come April:

Kansas City Chiefsmock draft

Round 1, No. 9 overall: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bain may slip slightly in the top 10 due to arm length concerns but the Chiefs would be happy to get his power and production off the edge. Kansas City struggled to get home with sacks in 2025 and getting one of the most productive edge rushers in college football is an easy boost to the defensive front.

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More:Rueben Bain Jr. compares himself to Mike Tyson during Miami Pro Day

Round 1, No. 29 overall: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

McDuffie and Watson are gone and the Chiefs could always use more talent to develop at the position. Johnson is a great value here as a scheme-versatile outside cornerback with size and speed. He would contend withKristian FultonandNohl Williamsfor a starting role as a rookie and a building block for the future.

Round 2, No. 40 overall: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Kelce is back in Kansas City but the Chiefs have to be thinking about their future at the position. Stowers is one of the most explosive players in the 2026 class and put on a show at the NFL combine with his dynamic athleticism. He's a bit undersized at 235 pounds but could be a vertical threat from the position the Chiefs haven't had since Kelce's athletic prime. In time, he could grow into a tight end of the future for Mahomes.

Round 3, No. 74 overall: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

One premium pick alone won't help the Chiefs' pass rush woes from 2025. Jacas is a big-bodied edge at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds who totaled 85 pressures and 20 sacks in his last two seasons at Illinois. There are some questions about his run defense but his high motor will earn him plenty of coverage sacks when possible.

Round 4, No. 109 overall: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

Hurst is one of the best small-school standouts in the class with size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash) at outside receiver. The Chiefs haven't had a threat like him on the outside in years. He's shown the ability to shake press coverage well but may need time to get up to speed at the NFL level.

Round 5, No. 148 overall: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Leo Chenalis now in Washington, and the Chiefswould be well-served by finding at least a depth piece to make up for his departure. Rolder is inexperienced with just 11 career college starts, but he's shown a lot to like, especially in run defense. He's more of a specialist in that for now, without the coverage chops as a rookie.

Round 5, No. 169 overall: OT Keagan Trost, Missouri

Kansas City dealt with injuries on the offensive line, and bringing in an experienced swing tackle would help safeguard against that in the future. Trost played both right and left tackle at Missouri, most recently right. His length will make him a good fit for most any scheme. He's unlikely to contend for a starting role but he'd be a swing tackle

Round 5, No. 176 overall: S VJ Payne, Kansas State

Payne can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. He played in the box, slot and free safety in 2025 alone. He's athletic enough to handle lots of assignments in coverage and Steve Spagnuolo could get creative deploying him throughout the defense. His run defense will need work.

Round 6, No. 210 overall: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

Walker III is a dynamic outside threat at running back and 2025 draft pickBrashard Smithis a receiving specialist. Black could be a good fit alongside those two. The national champion offers great early-down usage with a low center of gravity and churns out yards after contact. He has great short-yardage value and is a willing pass blocker. His lack of receiving chops can be balanced out by Walker and Smith.

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Las Vegas Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Free agency, trades change first-round projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chiefs 2026 NFL mock draft: Kansas City builds up defense, lands TE

bySator Tenet

in

April 01, 2026

Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City. After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, t...

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Final Four predictions: AI picks winners of Illinois-UConn, Arizona-Michigan games

Will two Big Ten teams face off with anational championship on the line?No. 3 seed Illinois and No. 1 Michigan are on opposite sides of theFinal Fourin 2026, and could guarantee the Big Ten the NCAA Tournament championship with wins in the national semifinals.

The Fighting Illini take on No. 2 Connecticut, while the Wolverines face fellow No. 1 seedArizona, each on Saturday, April 4. The winners will move onto the national championship game on Monday, April 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

REQUIRED READING:Final Four predictions: Who will advance to national championship game?

The last Big Ten school to win a national championship was Michigan State in 2000, Tom Izzo's fifth season at the helm. The Huskies, meanwhile, are looking for their third national championship in four seasons under Dan Hurley, who's quickly rising the all-time coaching ranks.

The Wildcats have won one national championship in their history, which came in 1997. They last made the Final Four in 2001, and are looking to get back to college basketball's mountaintop.

What does Artificial Intelligence think about the Final Four in 2026? Here's how AI predicted the two matchups to go:

AI predicts Final Four games

No. 3 Illinois vs No. 2 UConn

Microsoft Copilot is impressed with Illinois' offense, but also thinks UConn's veteran presence and ability to win games late is important.

"Best offense left in the tournament," Copilot said of Illinois. "Illinois brings elite scoring versatility, with multiple shooters and one of the nation's best offensive rebound rates."

The AI was also complementary of true freshmanKeaton Wagler, one of the top remaining players in the NCAA Tournament.

"Since their November loss to UConn, Wagler has become a top‑10 NBA prospect and a dominant scorer — far more impactful than in the first meeting," Copilot said.

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On the other hand, Copilot acknowledges Tarris Reed Jr. could be a matchup problem for Illinois, and that UConn wears teams down defensively.

"He's averaging dominant numbers inside and could force Illinois into foul trouble or defensive adjustments," Copilot said of Reed. "They just survived Duke on a last‑second 3 and have shown resilience in multiple close games."

Copilot actually predicts an upset, taking Illinois in a close one.

"Illinois' offensive versatility, improved defense, and Wagler's rise give them the edge in a matchup where UConn's inconsistent perimeter shooting could finally catch up to them," Copilot said.

• Score prediction: Illinois 76, UConn 71

No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan

Copilot noted both teams' dominance in the Men's NCAA Tournament as reasons to be excited for the Final Four matchup between Michigan and Arizona, noting Michigan outscored its opponents by 90 points in March Madness to Arizona's 82 points.

Copilot also noted Michigan's balance, acknowledging the Wolverines rank No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 5 in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom. It also is impressed by Yaxel Lendeborg, a first-team All-American who scored 27 points against Tennessee in the Elite Eight.

But Copilot likes Arizona's balance and interior scoring a bit more than Michigan.

"Their starting lineup is the deepest and most balanced in the Final Four," the AI said. "Analysts consistently note Arizona's edge on the glass and at the rim will be key in a game this evenly matched."

Ultimately, Copilot is going with Arizona to take down mighty Michigan for a spot in the national championship.

"This is the heavyweight fight everyone expected, but Arizona's superior rim finishing, rebounding edge, and deeper scoring options give them a slight advantage," Copilot predicts.

• Score prediction: Arizona 78, Michigan 74

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Final Four predictions: Who does AI pick to make March Madness championship?

bySator Tenet

in

April 01, 2026

Final Four predictions: AI picks winners of Illinois-UConn, Arizona-Michigan games

Will two Big Ten teams face off with anational championship on the line?No. 3 seed Illinois and No. 1 Michigan are on op...

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Dan Levy Shares the One Thing That’s Given Him ‘Great Comfort’ After Death of Schitt’s Creek Costar Catherine O’Hara

Dan Levy paid tribute to his late Schitt's Creek costar Catherine O'Hara during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, March 31

NEED TO KNOW

• The Canadian actress died on Jan. 30 "after a brief illness," her rep previously told PEOPLE in a statement

• Levy told Fallon what's been a "great comfort" to him following O'Hara's death

Dan Levyis sharing the one thing he has found comfort in following the death of hisSchitt's Creekcostar and close friend,Catherine O'Hara.

During an appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonon Tuesday, March 31, the host mentioned that Levy's first time on the talk show had been alongside his fellowSchitt's Creekcast members, which included O'Hara.

The Canadian actress diedon Jan. 30 "after a brief illness,"her rep previously told PEOPLEin a statement.

Levy, 42, told Fallon, 51, after the host offered his condolences, "Listen, it's like a collective loss, I think. She was the greatest. She's irreplaceable."

"The great comfort for me has just been to see how loved she was, you know what I mean? The outpouring. Everyone felt like they kind of knew her," Levy continued.

Fallon described O'Hara as "one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen. Can do characters … Gorgeous," as Dan added, "Unbelievably talented at improvising. One of the great, great, great, great queens."

O'Hara was known for her roles inHome Alone,Best in Show,Beetlejuice,The Nightmare Before Christmasand much more.

The legendary actress starred as over-the-top actress and matriarch Moira Rose in hit sitcomSchitt's Creekopposite Dan, who played her on-screen son (David Rose), Dan's fatherEugene Levy,who played her husband, Johnny Rose, andAnnie Murphy, who played her daughter (Alexis Rose).

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After news of O'Hara's death was reported, Dan shared a tribute onInstagram, alongside two photographs of the pair, writing, "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O'Hara's brilliance for all those years."

"Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It's hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her," the actor added.

He concluded, "My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family."

Eugene, 79, also remembered his decades-long friendship with O'Hara ina statement shared with PEOPLEat the time.

"Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today," the actor said. "I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O'Hara for over fifty years."

"From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years onSchitt's Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship," Eugene continued. "And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O'Hara family."

Read the original article onPeople

bySator Tenet

in

April 01, 2026

Dan Levy Shares the One Thing That’s Given Him ‘Great Comfort’ After Death of Schitt’s Creek Costar Catherine O’Hara

Dan Levy paid tribute to his late Schitt's Creek costar Catherine O'Hara during an appearance on The Tonight Sh...

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Forensic Scientist In OJ Simpson And JonBenét Ramsey Cases Gave Explosive Last Confession Before Passing

Renownedforensic scientistHenry C. Lee, who famously testified in theO. J. Simpson,JonBenét Ramsey, andPhil Spectorcase, has had afinal interviewresurface shortly after hispassingon Friday, March 27, at the age of 87.

Reportedly, Lee used this final interview to addresslong-standing allegationsofevidence fabricationin several cases, attempting to clear his name and reputation.

The resurfaced claims have reignited controversies surrounding his work, leaving many wondering whether this revelation could change how his legacy is remembered.

One user wrote, "I think Lee loved the fame more than he enjoyed the science. These arenot simple mistakes that he made."

An alleged interview with forensic scientist Henry C. Lee appears to address long-standing allegations of evidence fabrication

Image credits:Paul Buck-Pool/Getty Images

Dr. Henry C. Lee was at the peak of his career from the mid-1980s through the late 1990s, a period during which he became a household name for his work on the O. J. Simpson case and several other high-profile investigations.

He served as the Director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory from 1978 to 2000 and was appointed the state's Commissioner of Public Safety from 1998 to 2000, becoming the first Chinese American to hold such a position.

Image credits:NBC Connecticut

He also reportedly founded the Forensic Science program at the University of New Haven in 1975 and later established the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science in 1998.

At the age of 87, Lee "passed away peacefully" at his home in Henderson following a brief illness, according to a public statement by his family.

Image credits:Lee Celano/Getty Images

A few years prior to his passing, the long-standing reputation he had built began to crack when several allegations of evidence fabrication surfaced in high-profile cases, even leading to a wrongful conviction.

Reportedly, in 2023, a federal judge found Lee liable for fabricating evidence, specifically regarding bloodstains on a towel, in a 1985 case that led to thewrongful convictionof two Connecticut men.

A former student of the late forensic scientist Henry C. Lee made bombshell claims, calling one of his speeches a "confession of guilt"

Image credits:WTOL11

After serving over three decades in prison for a crime they allegedly did not commit, the state eventually reached a $25.2 million settlement with the men.

Addressing the case and the ruling, Lee told reporters at the time, "In my 57-year career, I have investigated over 8,000 cases and never, ever was accused of any wrongdoing. This is the first case that I have to defend myself."

Image credits:BoulderColorado.Gov

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In 2007, during the trial of music producer Phil Spector, Lee faced similar accusations, withclaims that he hidor destroyed a key piece of evidence from the scene where actress Lana Clarkson was fatally sh*t.

Prosecutors alleged at the time that during a search of Spector's home, Lee found and pocketed a "small white object," believed to be a piece of Clarkson's acrylic fingernail.

"I can't imagine how Lee could sleep at night knowing his false testimony sent two innocent men to prison for thirty years," fumed one netizen

Image credits:Paul Buck-Pool/Getty Images

The judge concluded that Lee had indeed removed and withheld the item from the prosecution.

Phil was later charged with and found guilty of second-degree m**der charges and was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison, where he reportedly passed away in 2021.

These allegations, along with others, have tainted Lee's legacy,casting doubt among netizenson nearly every case he was involved in.

Image credits:Matthew Simmons/Getty Images

Comments like, "We found out years ago he would fabricate evidence and say whatever someone wanted him to if he was paid enough," and "Hemade up things. He lied," flooded social media for years.

Now, shortly after his passing, his final public interview, part of an investigative documentary project, has resurfaced, aiming to examine Lee's career and the growing concerns surrounding his forensic work.

Image credits:Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

While the specific title of the documentary has not been publicized, an insider toldNew York Postthat Lee, while addressing the allegations, said in the interview, "Logic is the bottom line for law enforcement. But I only did one thing in my life. It's to make the impossible be possible."

Meanwhile, a former student of Henry, Brent Turvey, now a forensic scientist and criminologist, told the outlet, "He got famous for getting results that no one else could."

An insider allegedly told theNew York Postwhat Lee's final confession was before his passing last week at the age of 87

Image credits:NBC Connecticut

"The problem is the pressure and celebrity of doing a great job and living up to themyth of the forensicsof Henry Lee."

He added, "[The Pressure] obviously got to him and he got to the point where he couldn't live up to that image. So, he just kept giving answers without doing examinations."

Image credits:Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant/Getty Images

Turvey concluded by recalling a quote from Lee's commencement speech at the University of New Haven, saying, "He said, 'Just remember, it takes 25 years to build a good name and 25 seconds to destroy it.' He was always speaking out against fraud, always speaking out against negligence and incompetence."

"But, as we now know, that was a confession ofguiltto what he did in practice."

"Most of his work was exceptional however he did enjoy the publicity," wrote one social media user

bySator Tenet

in

April 01, 2026

Forensic Scientist In OJ Simpson And JonBenét Ramsey Cases Gave Explosive Last Confession Before Passing

Renownedforensic scientistHenry C. Lee, who famously testified in theO. J. Simpson,JonBenét Ramsey, andPhil Spectorcase,...

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Diamondbacks 3B Jose Fernandez becomes 7th MLB player since 1900 with 2 homers in debut

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez strode to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning during his first big league game in a pressure-packed spot against four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen.

Tigers Diamondbacks Baseball

The three-run homer that followed capped one of the most powerful MLB regular-season debuts in modern history.

The Venezuelan became just the seventh player since 1900 to hit two homers in his debut, and the second was a go-ahead shot thatled the Diamondbacks over the Detroit Tigers 7-5on Tuesday night.

"I returned to my days as a kid — just a dream come true," a smiling Fernandez said through an interpreter.

In a strange twist, two of the seven two-homer debuts have occurred over the past six days. Cleveland phenom Chase DeLauterwent deep twice in his first career regular-season gamelast Thursday after making his MLB debut in the playoffs last season.

The 22-year-old Fernandez wasn't on the D-backs' opening-day roster, joining the team on Monday after Pavin Smith went on the 10-day injured list with left elbow soreness. He made the most of his first opportunity, finishing with three hits and four RBIs.

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Not bad for a guy ranked as the No. 27 prospect in the organization, according to MLB.com

"He deserves all this credit," manager Torey Lovullo said. "We're so proud of him. He's a player who came through our system, through our academy, and it's a great story, a great baseball story. We've known about Jose for a long time. We knew he was coming."

Fernandez hit an infield single in his first big league at-bat and added a solo homer his next time up. The three-run drive that followed put him in elite company, joining DeLauter, Trevor Story (2016), J.P. Arencibia (2010), Mark Quinn (1999), Bert Campaneris (1964) and Bob Nieman (1951) as players with two-homer debuts.

"Stay calm, keep the emotions in check, I knew something like that could happen," Fernandez said. "Just look for a pitch."

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/mlb

bySator Tenet

in

March 31, 2026

Diamondbacks 3B Jose Fernandez becomes 7th MLB player since 1900 with 2 homers in debut

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez strode to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning ...

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NFL kickoff rules 2026: League makes changes to onside kick, more

The NFL made a significant change to its kickoff in 2024,instituting the "dynamic kickoff"to boost the percentage of returned kicks and make one of the league's most dangerous plays safer.

The league is continuing its efforts to refine the play by tweaking its kickoff rule ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The most notable approved rule change will allow teams to attempt an onside kick at any point during the game. In 2025, teams were only allowed to try an onside kick when trailing, so the rule change will give clubs a bit more flexibility.

NFL REFS:NFL institutes new rule to aid potential replacement officials

OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades

OT Tytus Howard:Traded to Cleveland Browns(previous team: Houston Texans)

Despite this significant change, NFL teams will still have to declare an onside kick any time they attempt one. This is necessitated by the difference of alignment between the onside kick – which uses the NFL's traditional kickoff formation – and the NFL's dynamic kickoff, where a majority of the players from each team are lined up between the receiving team's 30- and 35-yard line.

With that in mind, surprise onside kicks – like the one Sean Payton famously dialed up to start the second half of the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl 44 win over the Indianapolis Colts – will remain out of the sport.

It remains unclear whether the NFL's rule change will result in an uptick in overall onside kick attempts, or if the need to declare them – along with their overall lack of efficacy – will continue to limit their use.

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Just five of the NFL's 52 onside kicks were recovered in 2025, according todata from The Football Database. That was good for a mark of 9.6% and up from three total recoveries and a 6% recovery rate in 2024, the first year of the NFL's dynamic kickoff.

NFL LEAGUE MEETINGS:Latest news, updates, storylines, rule changes

NFL kickoff rule changes

The onside kick rule isn't the only major kicking change the NFL's competition committee has instituted for the 2026 season. The following two rules have also been approved:

• 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.

The first of these rule changes effectively closed a loophole in the 2025 kickoff rules. Last season, a team kicking off from the 50-yard line after a personal foul penalty on the receiving team would benefit more from kicking a ball out of bounds (which would place the ball on the receiving team's 25-yard line) than they would from kicking a touchback (which would place the ball at the 30-yard line).

Under the NFL's new rule, touchbacks on kicks from the 50-yard line will be brought back out to the 20, eliminating the incentive to purposely sail a ball out of bounds.

Meanwhile, the alignment modifications will simply adjust how receiving team players are allowed to line up within the setup zone. The new rule will require just five players, instead of six, to have their front foot on the setup line – though just two players will be allowed to have their foot off the line in each of the setup zone's three areas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL modifies onside kick rules, other kickoff bylaws for 2026

bySator Tenet

in

March 31, 2026

NFL kickoff rules 2026: League makes changes to onside kick, more

The NFL made a significant change to its kickoff in 2024,instituting the "dynamic kickoff"to boost the percent...

Read More