NFL Owners Discuss Rule Changes and Proposals at Annual Meetings

From onside kick modifications to international game scheduling, the league's top decision-makers convene in Phoenix.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:30pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes that abstractly represent an NFL meeting or football game, conveying the complex, multi-faceted nature of the league's decision-making process.The NFL's Annual Meetings bring together the league's top decision-makers to reshape the future of the game through rule changes and strategic proposals.Today in Pittsburgh

The NFL's Annual League Meetings are underway in Phoenix, where team owners, executives, and league personnel are discussing a variety of proposals and rule changes for the 2026 season. Key items on the agenda include playing rule adjustments from the Competition Committee, bylaw changes, and team-submitted proposals such as allowing more contact with free agents and trading future draft picks. Coaches will also hold media sessions, and outgoing Detroit Lions president Rod Wood is expected to provide insight on the team's international plans and other business priorities.

Why it matters

The annual league meetings are a critical juncture where the NFL's most influential figures convene to shape the future of the game. Decisions made here will directly impact the on-field product, roster-building strategies, and business operations for all 32 teams in the coming season.

The details

Among the key proposals up for consideration are changes to onside kick rules, kickoff alignments, and procedures for officiating reviews. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have also submitted their own proposals, including allowing more contact with free agents and extending the timeline for trading draft picks. Additionally, the league will discuss bylaw modifications related to roster reductions, personnel notices, and injured reserve designations.

  • The NFL's Annual League Meetings are taking place over the next few days in Phoenix.
  • Team proposals and Competition Committee recommendations must be approved by 75% of ownership groups (24 teams) to be implemented for the 2026 season.

The players

Dan Campbell

Head coach of the Detroit Lions, who will participate in the NFC coaches' media session.

Rod Wood

Outgoing president of the Detroit Lions, who will provide insight on the team's business priorities and international plans before his retirement.

Kevin O'Connell

Head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who will participate in the NFC coaches' media session.

Matt LaFleur

Head coach of the Green Bay Packers, who will participate in the NFC coaches' media session.

Ben Johnson

Head coach of the Chicago Bears, who will participate in the NFC coaches' media session.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to evolve the game and make it safer for our players, while also providing an exciting product for our fans.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

What’s next

The league will vote on all proposals and rule changes during the Annual Meetings, with a 75% approval threshold required for implementation in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The NFL's Annual Meetings are a crucial event that shapes the future of the league, with team owners, executives, and coaches convening to discuss a wide range of proposals and rule changes that will impact the on-field product, roster management, and business operations for all 32 franchises.