Next Generation of Returners: Projecting the Top Kick Returners for All 32 NFL Teams in 2025

The roar of the crowd, the anticipation in the air, and the heart-stopping speed of a kick return – there’s nothing quite like it in the NFL. In 2024, the league saw a significant increase in kickoff returns due to the dynamic kickoff format, jumping from a record-low 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8%. With the NFL tweaking the rules again for 2025, moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line, we’re poised to witness even more electrifying returns. This adjustment, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, aims to push return rates even higher, potentially reaching 60-70%. As we gear up for the 2025 season, let’s dive into projecting the top kick returners for all 32 teams, spotlighting the emerging talents ready to make their mark.

AFC East: Speed and Agility Take Center Stage

Buffalo Bills: With Laviska Shenault Jr. no longer on the roster, the Bills will look to Khalil Shakir to take over the primary return duties. Shakir’s elusiveness and speed make him a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
Miami Dolphins: Malik Washington showcased his potential in 2024, averaging an impressive 30.7 yards per return. Look for him to build on that success and become a key weapon for the Dolphins.
New England Patriots: Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson made a statement in the preseason, returning a kickoff for a touchdown. His speed and vision could make him a game-changer for the Patriots’ special teams.
New York Jets: Xavier Gipson proved to be a reliable returner for the Jets in 2024, and he’s expected to retain his role in 2025. His consistency and ability to find seams will be valuable assets.

AFC North: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars

Baltimore Ravens: While Devin Duvernay is a name often associated with Ravens’ returns, keep an eye on Tylan Wallace. His speed and determination could earn him a shot at the primary return role.
Cincinnati Bengals: Charlie Jones showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, averaging 100 return yards. He’ll be looking to solidify his role and become a consistent threat for the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns: With DeAndre Carter’s departure, the Browns might turn to a younger player like Jaelon Darden to inject some explosiveness into their return game.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Gainwell is projected to continue as the Steelers’ primary returner. His experience and solid decision-making make him a dependable option.

AFC South: New Faces and Familiar Names

Houston Texans: The Texans signed Tremon Smith this offseason, bringing in a veteran presence to their return game. His experience and knack for finding the end zone could be a major boost.
Indianapolis Colts: Ashton Dulin has been a consistent performer for the Colts, and he’s expected to continue handling return duties in 2025. His reliability and speed make him a valuable asset.
Jacksonville Jaguars: With Travis Etienne focusing more on his role as a running back, the Jaguars might look to rookie Bhayshul Tuten to revitalize their return game. Tuten’s speed and elusiveness could make him an instant impact player.
Tennessee Titans: Jha’Quan Jackson is projected to remain the Titans’ primary returner. His speed and agility make him a threat to break off a big return at any moment.

AFC West: Speed Demons and Playmakers

Denver Broncos: Marvin Mims Jr. showed promise in 2024, averaging 27.71 yards per return. With Tremon Smith now in Houston, Mims has a clear path to becoming the Broncos’ primary return specialist.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs could turn to a dynamic player like Mecole Hardman to handle kick returns. Hardman’s speed and big-play ability make him a constant threat to score.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders might look to a young, explosive player like Brittain Brown to energize their return game. Brown’s speed and determination could make him a valuable asset.
Los Angeles Chargers: Derius Davis is considered one of the safest bets to retain his role as the Chargers’ kick returner. His impressive stats from last year, including 524 return yards, speak for themselves.

NFC East: A Battle of Explosive Talents

Dallas Cowboys: KaVontae Turpin is widely regarded as the top return man in the league. His incredible stats from 2024, including 904 return yards and a league-leading average of 33.48 yards per return, solidify his position as a premier return specialist.
New York Giants: With Eric Gray’s departure, the Giants will be looking for a new spark in their return game. Keep an eye on Gunner Olszewski, who has the potential to bring some much-needed explosiveness to the position.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles could utilize a versatile player like Britain Covey to handle return duties. Covey’s agility and sure hands make him a reliable option.
Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler, known for his versatility, could also contribute as a kick returner for the Commanders. His experience and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset.

NFC North: Relying on Proven Performers

Chicago Bears: The Bears might turn to a player like Velus Jones Jr. to provide a spark in their return game. Jones’ speed and athleticism could make him a dangerous returner.
Detroit Lions: Craig Reynolds is projected to continue handling kick returns for the Lions. His consistency and reliability make him a dependable option.
Green Bay Packers: Keisean Nixon is expected to maintain his role as the Packers’ primary returner. His impressive performance in 2024, including 528 return yards, demonstrates his value to the team.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings could utilize a speedy player like Kene Nwangwu to handle kick returns. Nwangwu’s explosiveness and ability to find the end zone make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

NFC South: A Focus on Speed and Agility

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons might look to a dynamic player like Avery Williams to energize their return game. Williams’ speed and agility could make him a valuable asset.
Carolina Panthers: With Raheem Blackshear no longer with the team, the Panthers will need to find a new return specialist. Keep an eye on Shi Smith, who has the potential to step up and fill that role.
New Orleans Saints: Rashid Shaheed is a strong candidate to earn the kick returner role. His speed and elusiveness make him a threat to break off a big return at any moment.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers could turn to a player like Deven Thompkins to handle kick returns. Thompkins’ agility and vision could make him a valuable asset.

NFC West: A Showcase of Emerging Talent

Arizona Cardinals: DeeJay Dallas is projected to continue as the Cardinals’ primary returner. His experience and solid decision-making make him a dependable option.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams might look to a young, explosive player like Jordan Whittington to energize their return game. Whittington’s speed and determination could make him a valuable asset.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers could utilize a versatile player like Ronnie Bell to handle return duties. Bell’s agility and sure hands make him a reliable option.
Seattle Seahawks: With Steve Sims battling a hamstring injury, the Seahawks might turn to rookie Tory Horton to handle return duties. Horton’s success as a punt returner in college makes him an intriguing option.

The Future is Bright

As the NFL continues to evolve, the role of the kick returner remains a vital component of special teams play. With the rule changes in 2025 designed to encourage more returns, we can expect to see these athletes play an even more significant role in shaping the outcome of games. Keep an eye on these projected top kick returners as they strive to make their mark on the league and electrify fans with their speed, agility, and determination.