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Browns’ 5-Year Draft-Pick Trade Plan and Steelers’ FA Contact Rule Advance to Owners’ Meeting

Both proposals will go to the competition committee before a Phoenix vote that needs approval from 24 of 32 owners later this month.

Overview

  • League memos sent to all clubs outline two team proposals: the Browns seek to extend draft-pick trade eligibility from three to five years, and the Steelers aim to formalize limited direct contact during the free-agent negotiating window.
  • The Browns argue a longer horizon would boost roster flexibility, enable more creative trade structures, increase draft-capital liquidity, align with contract cycles, and stimulate a more active market.
  • The Steelers’ plan would make permanent a 2025 trial allowing one video or phone call (up to an hour) with up to five prospective unrestricted free agents during the two-day window and would permit arranging travel once terms are agreed, with calls reported to the league.
  • Rams president Kevin Demoff publicly endorsed Cleveland’s proposal, saying more tradable picks would mean more trades and team-building options.
  • No rule has been adopted; there were no team-submitted on-field changes this cycle and, as NFL executive Troy Vincent noted, no new bid to ban the ‘tush push,’ with competition committee proposals still to come.