NFL chiefs 'want to make a major rule change next season' in the hope it will create more drama in the fourth quarter of games

The NFL is hoping to change things up with kickoffs and onside kicks to allow more excitement late in games.

On Sunday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that special team coordinators developed a new kickoff rule with hopes of raising 'the frequency and success rates of onside kicks.' As a result, the rule change can also raise the 'chances for a late-game comeback,' per Pelissero.

According to the report, the rules would allow teams to try for an onside kick when behind in the fourth quarter. They will, however, have to verify their intention to use the kick.

Should a team opt to use the onside kick, they potentially may 'be allowed to utilize an unbalanced (6x4) formation.'

Pelissero added that the rule is one piece of a big proposal to evolve kickoff guidelines that include the setup zones. He detailed that 'the kickoff and return teams would line up on the receiving team's 40- and 35-yard lines, respectively, and not leave until the ball is touched or reaches the 'target zone' (20-yard line to goal line).'

The NFL is hoping to change the rules around kickoffs and onside kicks in the near future 

Executives will likely present their ideas to owners during the league meetings later this month

'If the ball is kicked into the end zone, the receiving team gets it at the 35-yard line. If the ball is kicked into the target zone and rolls into the end zone, the receiving team possession would start at the 20-yard line,' he added about touchbacks.

Pelissero also noted in the report that only 5.2 percent of onside kicks were recovered this past season.

With the new rule, the NFL hopes to 'make the kickoff game exciting again,' while avoiding higher injury rates.

The rule change is not yet confirmed, as it needs to be approved by owners before being put into place. Pelissero also mentioned how the language is 'still being finalized' ahead of the pitch.

The change could potentially be on the agenda for the upcoming league meetings in Orlando which will begin on March 24.