The Cleveland Browns GM, Andrew Berry, pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Jaguars last year. Looking to replicate more of those deals, Berry pushed for an NFL rule change. But amid growing scrutiny from around the league, the Browns have since backed down from the proposal.

“The #Browns withdrew their proposal to allow trading draft picks 5 years out, as there wasn’t enough support for it," NFL reporter Ari Meirov reported on March 30. "There won’t be a vote on it. Rule stays as is (3 years out).”  

The existing rule of trading picks three years in advance remains in effect. 

The Browns had argued that the proposition would allow building “creative” and flexible rosters. Also, adding that it would boost trade market activity, ensuring better competition in the league.

But it was always an uphill battle for the Browns, as one prominent head coach had already predicted failure for Berry and company.

Before the discussion even commenced on Monday, Sean McVay, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, said that Berry would be disappointed. 

“There’s zero percent chance that’ll get through. I respect the courage for Andrew to have a very sound reasoning of what’s behind it," McVay said on the Up & Adams show. "There’s no chance that thing’s getting through."

The Browns wanted the five-year rule because last year’s draft-day trade is still paying off. The franchise moved down from 2nd to 5th overall in the 2025 draft and has a 24th overall pick this April.

“There is method to his (Berry) madness,” 92.3 The Fan host Anthony Lima said. He claimed that Myles Garrett will be traded eventually. Berry wants access to any player he deems fit to uphold one of the best defences in the league. No matter how much he prepares this time, if Berry trades Garrett, he could be making another bad choice. 

But this doesn't come as a surprise, considering the "big swing and miss with Deshaun [Watson]." The quarterback is on a five-year guaranteed deal worth $230 million and last played in the 2024 season.

While Berry wanted to fix his past mistake and secure better rosters, this turnout prompted varying reactions from fans.

Browns fans react to the rule push: “Nobody else is desperate enough”

Some comments alluded to the quarterback trades, and others said that the Browns need an intervention.

“The Browns have a genuine gambling addiction and need help,” one expressed.

“Well, yeah, nobody else is desperate enough to mortgage their future again after giving the worst contract in American sports history out,” another wrote.

Another rule explicitly addressed the Browns’ recent discussion on Garrett and the Texas Longhorn sophomore Arch Manning, who recorded 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, set to declare in 2027. 

“Current rules still let teams trade picks up to ~3 years out (plenty for most deals), and the 5-year push was mostly to enable super-aggressive QB hunts (like packaging distant 1sts for a prospect like Arch Manning) or Garrett trades with delayed pain.”

Another fan wrote that the Browns caught McVay’s message and changed their mind immediately. 

“Cleveland read the room when McVay gave it zero percent odds and pulled it before the vote, the proposal didn’t survive contact with the rest of the league,” they wrote about the abrupt but swift end. 

“Browns got called stupid by everybody and changes their mind,” another wrote. 

Maybe the writing was always on the wall, but Berry chose to go ahead anyway. This leaves the Browns in a precarious situation. Will the 2026 season be a game-changer? What are your thoughts?

Read more at The Cleveland Browns Community. 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore