How will the Carolina Panthers approach the NFL’s new kickoff rule?

Locked On Panthers - Daily Podcast On The Carolina Panthers

The start of the 2024 NFL season will introduce a massive change to the league kickoff rules. In an effort to address the lowest kickoff return rate in NFL history during the 2023 season and an unacceptable injury rate on kickoffs prior to that, the NFL completely revamped the leagues kickoff rules. The league believes that the new rule will keep the excitement of kickoff returns in the game, while returning the injury rate closer to that of a traditional scrimmage play. How will the Carolina Panthers approach the new rule?

With the new kickoff rule put into effect, there's now a premium on having impact kick returns. Will rookie Xavier Legette be able to make an impact as a returner this season?

In a surprising move, Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro skipped out on the voluntary portion of the offseason. While Pineiro was present for mandatory minicamp, he was unwilling to share why he decided to skip OTAs. Pineiro's absence has been widely credited to his desire to sign a contract that matches his production as one of the top kickers in the NFL since entering the league.

While Pineiro was away, that allowed undrafted free agent kicker Harrison Mevis to impress the staff with his big leg. Will Pineiro reach a deal with the Panthers soon or will there be a true kicker competition during Training Camp?

Julian Council breakdowns the Panthers special teams unit.

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