NFL owners today approved a rule that allows coaches to communicate by radio with one defensive player, the same way they have for years with quarterbacks.

The rule change needed a three-fourths majority, and it narrowly passed when owners voted for it 25-7 at the league’s annual meeting. Last year the rule change failed, 23-9. The Packers, Raiders, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks, Buccaneers and Redskins voted against the proposal today.

The helmet-radio rule got increased scrutiny after the Patriots were caught taping the Jets’ defensive signals, signals the Jets wouldn’t have needed to use if they could have just told one of their players the call. Last year the Patriots voted against the proposal; this year they voted for it.

One defensive player will be permitted to listen to a coach’s defensive play calls through a radio in his helmet and then relay the call to his teammates. A backup will also be permitted to have the radio device in his helmet in case the first player gets hurt, but the two players can’t wear the helmets with radios at the same time.

Teams can decide for themselves which player will wear the technologically advanced helmet. NFL teams generally use an inside linebacker to call plays in defensive huddles, but the most important requirement in choosing a player to wear the helmet radio is choosing a player who stays on the field regardless of down and distance.