The NFL will be weighing a variety of rule changes this offseason that could significantly change the game moving forward, including dramatically altering kickoffs, banning the tush push and getting rid of the hip-drop tackle. However, there is one proposed rule change that fans may love.
Every team is provided with an opportunity each offseason to propose rule changes. A majority of the proposals never move forward, with some just floated out as ideas that could be revisited years later. However, when there is a contingent of teams all pushing for the same thing, change can happen.
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It could happen in 2024. Earlier this offseason, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry proposed moving the NFL trade deadline using a compelling argument. Evidently, there is significant support around the league to make this happen.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions and New York Jets each proposed for the league to change its bylaws regarding when the NFL trade deadline is held.
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As Berry explained in February, the trade deadline comes at a very unusual time in pro football compared to the NHL, NBA and MLB. Baseball and basketball hold their trade deadlines when they are 65 percent of the way through the regular season and hockey holds their deadline when 78 percent of regular-season games have been played. This allows general managers to have enough time to truly evaluate their rosters and judge whether or not they are contenders or are better off selling off talent.
In comparison, the NFL trade deadline is held 45 percent of the way through the season. While it was originally at the halfway point, that changed when the regular season expanded to 18 weeks and 17 games per team.
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Teams are hoping the trade deadline will be moved from after Week 8 to shortly after Week 10. The Browns specifically proposed a flexible trade deadline, which would be moved a week further back if the NFL expanded to an 18-game season.
However, despite support among teams, there are still no guarantees this will happen. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported in late February that there is disagreement among some owners and general managers on whether or not the NFL trade deadline should be moved.
