The Cleveland Browns are pushing for a change to the NFL’s annual trade deadline, seeking to move it back two weeks from its current position after Week 8 to the Tuesday following Week 10. Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained that the proposal aims to provide teams with more flexibility and align the NFL’s deadline with those of other major sports leagues.
Berry highlighted research showing that MLB and the NBA have their trade deadlines after about 65 percent of their regular seasons, while the NHL’s deadline comes after 78 percent of its season. In contrast, the NFL’s current deadline occurs after only 48 percent of its games, leading to concerns about maintaining competitive integrity and preventing late-season player dumps.
The proposed change would retroactively correct the deadline, not move back when the NFL season expanded to 17 games in 2022, and could be proactive if the schedule eventually grows to 18 games. Berry emphasized that no team has been eliminated from playoff contention in the past decade before Week 11.
Last year, the Browns made one trade ahead of the deadline, and league-wide, there were eight trades in the final days. However, in 2022, a record ten trades were made just before the deadline. Berry expressed hope but uncertainty about whether the proposal would gain enough momentum to be voted on by owners at the upcoming annual league meeting.
The proposed change aims to give more teams a chance to make moves to bolster their playoff chances and provide additional time to assess both short and long-term plans. The Browns’ experience in 2023, losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson after Week 10, highlights the need for flexibility in acquiring talent later in the season.
A later deadline could spur more trade action, increase fan interest, and give contending teams a better chance to strengthen their rosters for the stretch run. Despite the proposal’s merits, Berry noted some peer pushback, suggesting that not all general managers may share the same perspective on the benefits of extending the deadline.
In summary, the Browns’ proposal seeks to enhance the NFL’s trade deadline process, providing teams more time and opportunity to improve their rosters and engage fans ahead of potential playoff pushes. However, the proposal’s fate remains uncertain as discussions continue within the league.
I would give Berry’s proposed idea a 35 percent chance of going through. If his peers do not fully grasp having more time to enhance their team, then I’m sure owners will not understand.
Click here to read the Athletic’s Zac Jackson’s full story on Berry’s proposal.
