Browns propose rule change to move trade deadline back two weeks

Andrew Berry, the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, made his wishes for a delayed trade deadline known to the media during the NFL Combine.

Berry spoke to the media about the benefits of moving the trade deadline back two weeks. The NFL trade deadline has occurred on the Tuesday after Week eight for the past decade.

Berry believes moving the deadline after week ten will create a more competitive product for the NFL. Teams will have more flexibility to chase a Super Bowl run or the first pick in the NFL draft. 

Berry stated that the NFL has the earliest trade deadline among the four major American sports. The NBA and MLB’s trade deadlines occur around 65 percent of games played, in the NHL it’s 78 percent, but the NFL falls incredibly short at only 45 percent of the completed season. 

Berry also wants the trade deadline pulled back to account for the extra game. He also hoped a delayed two-week deadline would be a proactive move if the league expands to 18 games.

Berry does his best work trading. The general manager brought Amari Cooper to Cleveland for a 5th-round pick. This past season, the team acquired starters Za’Darius Smith and Dustin Hopkins for a handful of day-three selections. An extended trade period will only help the Browns as they chase for a championship.