The NFL is slowly evolving. One of the most significant rules imposed this season is the new kick-off rule. The framework has radically modified, allowing for more explosive plays while dramatically lowering the danger of injury. It has pushed teams to change their special teams plans. Not to be outdone by the rest of the league, the Seattle Seahawks’ offseason decisions were also influenced by this decision.
One of the Seahawks’ offseason moves was signing Laviska Shenault, a former Jackson Jaguars and Carolina Panthers wide receiver. Why would a team that is pretty set at WR sign another receiver who may fall down the depth chart? According to Brady Henderson, John Schneider stated that the signing of Shenault was driven in part by the new kick return restrictions.
“Schneider stated that the new kickoff rule, which would allow clubs to use two returners at once, was one of the key reasons the Seahawks signed Laviska Shenault Jr. “He’s a fantastic returner and a truly powerful individual. He has an explosive sense about him, like Dee [Eskridge].””
The NFL is implementing new kick return rules that are fashioned after the XFL’s kickoff rules. The simple version is that, aside from the kicker, the kicking team will be closer to the return team. Both lines may only move once the ball is returned. Additionally, fair catches have been completely gone.
The amended rules are intended to improve kickoff safety while also allowing for more thrilling kickoff returns. Prior to the last few seasons, kickoffs were widely condemned. They were the most hazardous plays in football, with players colliding at high speeds. When the fair catch rule was changed, most teams chose to use fair catch to keep everyone healthy. This shift should allow returning players like Seahawks’ Shenault to thrive.
The Seahawks already boast one of the league’s top special teams squads. It’s no surprise that one of their top priorities this summer was to focus on special teams.
After a stunning run to the playoffs two years ago, the Seahawks returned to earth last year. They weren’t an awful team, though. They were unable, however, to maintain their previous year’s level of performance. They finished 9-8, but were unable to advance to the postseason. It was a harsh reminder of how competitive their division (and the NFC in general) can be.
Seattle is now entering the 2024 season with a new manager. Pete Carroll unexpectedly stepped down as Seahawks head coach last year. Mike Macdonald, the former defensive coordinator, will lead the team in 2024. Seattle is having a fascinating season as they try to balance future development and current competition.
Shenault is considerably more likely to receive snaps from the special teams than from the offense. The Seahawks focused most of their retooling on defense. The offense remains essentially intact: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba make a formidable core, with Jake Bobo stepping in as a respectable WR4. Shenault will take over kick return snaps from DeeJay Dallas, who totaled 440 yards on returns last season.
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