I have to say I see the NFLPA's point of view on players not getting hurt leaping. But does it need to be a true penalty? In general though, I'm going to support any rule that helps with safety. It's the future, and both the league and players need to adapt.
There are other rules I'd like to see the NFL implement:
Make pass interference 15 yards and an automatic first down, not at the spot of the foul. The NCAA does it this way, without a problem. The NFL could make this as the default for PI, then have a flagrant PI penalty that is enforced at the spot of the foul, which would likely happen only on plays where a defender was badly beaten, and desperate to break up a sure long pass, which is rare. But this would need to be tested to see how officials adapt. I think just going to the 15 yard automatic first down is the way to go.
In the playoffs, go back to overtime rules where each team gets to have the ball once, even if the first team scores a touchdown. You could add to the excitement if you like by saying no PAT kicks in OT, every TD must be followed by a 2-point conversion. That would make it less likely the game would continue after two teams scoring a TD each.
Allow more contact in off-season drills. The Belicheck rule (though Mike McCarthy wants it too, so do others). This sounds like more potential injuries at first blush, but Belicheck has argued that a good coaching staff will work with this to have players in better "football shape" and practice and prepare better to avoid injuries.
I still want to see the flags removed from the uprights of the goal posts. Let's make kickers gauge the wind on their own without these aids. It will lead to more drives on the field in nasty weather, and more drama overall.
Look into preparing any and all plays for challenges. Another rule Belicheck wants. The NFL simply isn't there yet. But if they did what I suggest and having a centralized review studio that watches all plays, instead of referees on the field trying to look under hoods or at tablets, it wouldn't be long before a skilled team could have a real pulse on all plays, including tough ones like illegal contact, or holding.
Start looking into ways to eliminate more kickoffs. They could only have kickoffs to start the game, or half, as tradition, and then from there on out a team can either get the ball at the 25, or the kicking team could choose to have the ball at their own 25 yard line, and it's 4th and 15 (roughly the same odds as an on-side kick). I also like the idea saying that a runner cannot return the kick from the endzone, unless the ball bounces on the ground first. This would cut down on some of the worst collisions I would think.
I also like the idea of expanding practice and scout squads, and how many and how much players are allowed to prep for games up until Sunday morning. This could also cut down on players going on forced IR with super minimal injuries. Practice and scout players make little money, averaging $88k a year (rookie minimum is $420k), but are part of the team. This pool could be a little larger than it is, and these players should be treated with more value.
Finally, not a rule change, but the NFL and NFLPA start to begin talks on the next CBA soon. It ends in less than four years. There are two serious points of contention they are going to need to look at, and a few more. Starting soon will really help that process. First is to limit the powers of the commissioner in suspensions, and have them taken over by a panel of arbiters who have final say. This is a must, and I can't see the NFLPA moving forward past the 2020 season without this happening. They won't sign a contract without this. Next is to find a way to fund future retiree players health through a mixture of HSA's and other long-term coverage. This must be addressed, even if it's mostly just psychological insurance, or you're going to lose young players who won't want to play the game.
While not really part of a CBA in legal language, the league and NFLPA should also address the way contracts are structured to try to find a way to stop teams from being like Seattle (other teams too) where 5 players make nearly half the payroll. The league and players also need to find a way to encourage work between players, agents, and the owners to accept smaller contracts, for more guaranteed money, like other sports. This is slowly happening a little more anyway, let's discuss it in the open. I realize this isn't likely to be part of the CBA contract, but it's an issue that isn't mentioned enough. Russell Okung was very lucky last year in Denver. Contracts like that shouldn't exist. And Okung is considered an intelligent man. Imagine those who aren't as smart. (BTW, he got a real contract this season, with the Chargers. Still acting as his own agent, but apparently got advice from his attorney before he signed the deal this time).
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