NFL owners will consider a proposal from the Cleveland Browns to expand the scope of draft pick trades, allowing clubs to deal selections up to five years into the future as part of discussions at the league’s 2026 Annual Meeting.

Under current rules, teams are restricted to trading picks no more than three years ahead, with anything beyond that deemed ‘nominal consideration’ and subject to rejection. Cleveland’s proposal argues that modern roster-building strategies now extend well beyond that window, with clubs increasingly relying on advanced data and long-term planning to shape personnel decisions. By extending the limit to five years, the Browns believe teams would gain greater flexibility, unlock more creative trade structures and better align draft capital with contract and salary cap cycles.

Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff sees benefits to the Browns’ proposal.

“Nothing creates more interest in the NFL than trades,” Demoff posted on social media. “This is why Cleveland’s proposal to allow teams to trade picks up to 5 years out as opposed to 3 years out makes so much sense. More picks to trade = more trades = more interest and team-building options.”

The proposal is one of two club-submitted resolutions under consideration. The Pittsburgh Steelers have also put forward a measure to formalise changes to the league’s Two-Day Negotiation Period, including permitting limited video or phone calls with prospective unrestricted free agents and allowing clubs to arrange travel once terms have been agreed.

No playing rule or bylaw changes have been proposed as part of this year’s submissions, leaving the focus on roster-building mechanisms and offseason operations.