Browns propose ‘dangerous’ NFL rule change that could have ramifications for teams chasing Super Bowl glory

The Cleveland Browns are moving to aggressively shake up NFL Draft rules.

With the 2026 Scouting Combine in full swing, all 32 teams are getting a close-up look at the future of the league.

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Some are also taking a moment to propose radical changes to the rulebook.

There has already been backlash around the Los Angeles Rams potentially putting forward a ‘shameless’ change, while an altercation during Super Bowl LX could also lead to a tweak to on-field regulations.

Any rule changes will be voted on at the annual NFL owners meetings in the coming weeks and months, and while plenty could change on the turf, the Browns have also put forward a proposal around the draft.

Browns propose NFL trade changes

According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Cleveland has this week tabled an amendment to Article XVI, Section 16.6, of the NFL Constitution & Bylaws.

Their hope is to ‘allow draft selections to be traded up to five seasons in the future.’

The current limit, which isn’t actually outlined in Section 16.6 of the Constitution & Bylaws, is three years.

For the proposal to pass, it would need to garner 24 votes at the upcoming meetings.

Florio’s report adds that subject could be discussed, and possibly voted on, in March. It could also be tabled until the May meetings.

Could Browns rule change proposal be dangerous for NFL?

This offseason, the Browns — and every other team — will have the right to start trading 2029 draft selections.

In 2025, Cleveland was the first to trade a 2028 pick (seventh round), in a deal to acquire offensive tackle KT Leveston from the Rams.

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If their proposal is approved, the Browns will be able to trade 2031 picks as early as this offseason.

The franchise, of course, has a history of making blockbuster deals — and expanding the limit for trading picks could actually be dangerous for aggressive organizations.

Four years ago, Cleveland controversially traded away three first-round picks (2022, 2023 and 2024) for Deshaun Watson.

That trade failed, and they ended up with a $230million quarterback who has started just 19 games, winning nine, and missed the entire 2025 season through injury.

But this rule change would allow the Browns, and all 31 other franchises, to take even bigger swings each year.

Teams could put their chips on the table if they believe they have a Super Bowl window, but rebuilding for the future without draft picks could be very damaging.

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Browns general manager Andrew Berry has a reputation for trading, so it makes sense the Browns tabled a rule change like this, which was already speculated earlier this month.

Some fans, though, are worried the team might dig themselves into an even bigger hole than they have found themselves in, without being able to select a player in the first round of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 drafts.

“Would kill this franchise,” one wrote on X, of the Browns’ proposed rule change.

“They’re totally going to offer five first-round picks to draft Arch (Manning) aren’t they?” another joked.

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“Andrew Berry and Jimmy Haslam should never be allowed to trade a single first-round pick every again, let alone five years’ worth of them,” a third said.

“The NFL needs to collectively not make it easier for the Browns to ruin their organization even more than it already has,” a fourth wrote.

Whether fans like it or not, the proposed rule change will be tabled in the coming weeks, and it will be up to owners to decide if they support expanding the limit or not.

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