The Cleveland Browns have proposed allowing NFL teams to trade draft picks up to five years in advance, extending the current four-year limit.

Under current rules, approved by NFL owners in March 2024, teams may trade picks up to four years into the future, up from the previous three-year limit.^[1][2]

The Pittsburgh Steelers submitted a separate proposal concerning player contact rules during the free agency negotiating window.

NFL owners will review these and other proposals at upcoming league meetings. Any change requires approval from at least 24 of the league's 32 teams.^[3]

Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, stated at the 2025 scouting combine that no proposals address the "tush push" play, despite offseason discussions last year.

The Browns' suggestion follows their 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, which cost three first-round picks over multiple drafts.^[4]

The team argues the change would encourage more trades and provide greater roster flexibility.

For comparison, the NBA permits trades of draft picks up to seven years ahead.

Sources

1. NFL.com
   NFL owners OK trade of draft picks four years out, other rules changes
   March 20, 2024
   https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-ok-trade-of-draft-picks-four-years-out-other-rules-changes
2. ESPN
   NFL owners approve rule allowing teams to trade draft picks 4 years into future
   March 20, 2024
   https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39751385/nfl-owners-approve-4-year-draft-pick-trade-window
3. NFL Operations
   Resolution FC-5: Trading Future Draft Choices
   Accessed October 2024
   https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/2024-nfl-rulebook/resolution-fc-5/
4. NFL.com
   Browns acquire Deshaun Watson in trade with Texans
   March 18, 2022
   https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-acquire-deshaun-watson-in-trade-with-texans