The Kansas City Chiefs are among the first teams to discuss potential schematic adjustments in light of the NFL's recently approved kickoff rules for the 2024 season. These revised rules have sparked controversy since their announcement, with kickers potentially being required to defend kickoff returns more frequently.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub revealed that the Chiefs are contemplating a change in their approach to kickoffs for the upcoming season. Toub expressed concerns about the long-term health of kicker Harrison Butker and mentioned the possibility of utilizing a different player in kickoffs.

Toub emphasized the importance of having a player who is capable of making tackles on kickoff returns. While Butker is skilled in this area, Toub is wary of exposing him to the risk of tackling throughout the entire season. To support his point, Toub referenced the XFL and how kickers were involved in up to 25 to 40 percent of tackles.

One player that Toub singled out as a potential replacement for Butker on kickoffs is safety Justin Reid. Toub praised Reid's ability to cover, tackle, and make an impact on kickoff plays. He believes that deploying Reid in this role would provide the Chiefs with an added element that opponents wouldn't be expecting.

Harrison Butker, who currently ranks as the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history after Justin Tucker, has been a valuable asset for the Chiefs. In the 2023 season, he connected on 33-of-35 field goals and maintained a perfect record on extra point attempts.

The Chiefs' consideration to limit Butker's involvement in kickoffs can be attributed to their desire to keep their star kicker healthy as they aim for a historic three-peat. The new kickoff rule, designed to encourage more returns, presents increased injury risks for kickers among other variables. The league will assess the impact of the radically changed hybrid kickoff format after the 2024-25 season, following a year of trial.

As teams across the NFL assess the implications of the new kickoff rules, the Chiefs' potential strategic modifications serve as an early example of the adjustments teams may make in order to adapt and comply with the revised regulations.