Browns GM Andrew Berry
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: General manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns have made a bold and controversial proposal to amend a major rule in how the NFL operates. Currently, league rules allow for teams to trade draft picks up to three years in advance. That means that right now, teams can trade picks in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Once the 2026 draft is completed next month, picks in 2029 will become eligible to trade.
However, the Browns would like to extend that window. Cleveland has proposed a rule change that would allow teams to trade picks up to five years in advance, up from three. That would give teams greater flexibility in their trades and bring the NFL more in line with other major North American sports leagues, such as the NBA and MLB.
However, the Browns just got some bad news on this proposed change, courtesy of an influential league figure.
The Cleveland Browns Get Bad News on Their Proposed Rule Change
Shedeur Sanders and Joel Bitonio
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 04: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Appearing on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams on Monday morning, Rams HC Sean McVay was asked about Cleveland’s proposed rule change.
“I would say this: oh, well, it’s big,” McVay said. “There’s a zero percent chance that it gets through. Yeah, nobody — I respect the courage for Andrew to have a very sound reasoning of what’s behind it. Hey, if there’s one thing you can bet Vegas odds on, there’s no chance that thing’s getting through.”
“I’m not backing that, nope,” McVay continued. “I’m not backing that. Competition committee was 11-0 [on that decision]. I’m on the competition committee.”
Official Language of the Cleveland Browns’ Proposed Rule Change
Here is the official rule change proposal submitted to the league office by the Browns:
“Whereas, pursuant to Article XVI, Section 16.6, of the National Football League
Constitution and Bylaws, trades for past, future, or nominal consideration are prohibited.
“Whereas, among other items or devices that may cause a trade to be rejected or constituting nominal consideration are those involving draft choices in selection meetings more than three (3) seasons in the future, and
“Whereas, Clubs operate under strategic plans that extend beyond three (3) seasons. These strategies are supported by access to modern data and advanced modeling tools which enable Clubs to forecast roster decisions, and
“Whereas, allowing the trading of draft choices more than three (3) seasons in the future 1) would provide Clubs with greater roster-building flexibility, 2) would create more creative trade structures that better mirror the valuations of both draft selections and players, 3) would increase the liquidity of draft capital which supports league-wide parity, 4) would improve alignment with contract and salary cap cycles, and 5) would encourage a more active trade market.
“Be it Resolved, that the definition of Nominal Consideration be revised in part as follows: Among other items or devices that may cause a trade to be rejected or constituting nominal consideration are those involving draft choices in selection meetings more than three five seasons in the future.
“Submitted by Cleveland Browns
“Effect: Allows draft selections to be traded up to five (5) seasons in the future.
“Reason: Provides Clubs with greater roster-building flexibility by expanding the range of future draft assets available for trade.”