North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers may see an increase in kickoff returns next season due to a proposed rule change by the NFL's competition committee. The committee has suggested moving the spot for touchbacks to the 35-yard line, which could encourage more returns.

Last season, the Panthers received 112 kickoffs, the highest in the league. Of those, 66 resulted in touchbacks, placing them in fourth place for the most touchbacks in the league. Under the new proposal, this could have converted to an additional 330 yards over the season.

However, the calculations are not straightforward, as the new rules would alter teams' strategies. Competition committee chair Rich McKay expressed that the return rate could rise to 60-70% if the new recommendation is implemented. In the previous season, only 32.8% of kickoffs were returned, slightly up from 21.8% the year before.

Panthers special teams coach Tracy Smith has historically favored returning kickoffs over touchbacks, reflected in the team's lower touchback percentage. The team saw their average drive start at the 28.8-yard line, slightly below the league average.

Raheem Blackshear, last year's returner, ranked second in the league with 791 gross return yards. Despite this, his average of 25.5 yards was below the league average of 27.6 yards. With this in mind, the Panthers decided not to tender him an offer as a restricted free agent, and he remains unsigned.

Currently lacking a clear replacement, the Panthers are evaluating options within the roster. Wide receiver David Moore, who averages 8.5 yards per punt return and has experience with kickoffs, is a potential candidate. Fellow wideout Xavier Legette and running back Rico Dowdle also have some returning experience, but their roles in the offense may limit their availability for the special teams unit. The upcoming draft and free agency period provide ample opportunity for the Panthers to address this need.