The NFL announced several rule changes that will affect the 2017 season:

At the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, owners adopted the following playing rules, bylaws, and resolution proposals. Originally, 15 playing rule changes were proposed this year: seven by clubs, eight from the Competition Committee.

Approved 2017 Playing Rules Proposals

• ​​By Philadelphia: Prohibits the "leaper" block attempt on field goal and extra point plays.
• By Competition Committee: Makes permanent the rule that disqualifies a player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. 
• By Competition Committee: Changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line for one year only. 
• By Competition Committee: Gives a receiver running a pass route defenseless player protection. 
• By Competition Committee: Makes crackback blocks prohibited by a backfield player who is in motion, even if he is not more than two yards outside the tackle when the ball is snapped. 
• By Competition Committee: Replaces the sideline replay monitor with a hand-held device and authorizes designated members of the Officiating department to make the final decision on replay reviews. 
• By Competition Committee: Makes it Unsportsmanlike Conduct to commit multiple fouls during the same down designed to manipulate the game clock. 
• By Competition Committee: Makes actions to conserve time illegal after the two-minute warning of either half.

Approved 2017 Bylaw Proposals

• By Competition Committee: Liberalizes rules for timing, testing, and administering physical examinations to draft-eligible players at a club's facility for one year only. 
• By Competition Committee: Changes the procedures for returning a player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness to the Active List to be similar to those for returning a player that was Designated for Return.  
• By Competition Committee: The League office will transmit a Personnel Notice to clubs on Sundays during training camp and preseason.

Approved 2017 Resolution Proposal

• By Competition Committee: Permits a contract or non-contract non-football employee to interview with and be hired by another club during the playing season, provided the employer club has consented.