These 2 Bombshell Rule Changes Will Totally Change The NFL Offseason
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
NFL teams prepare for the 2026 draft, but some teams are working to make some changes to benefit everybody starting next season. Two NFL rule changes have been proposed for the 2026 campaign, with two AFC North teams leading the way.
A year after the tush push ban proposal fell short (it got 22 votes, two less than required), two teams proposed two changes that could open more opportunities for teams to make trades and convince players to join them in free agency.
On Wednesday, the NFL Football Operations’ X account shared an update of two rule changes proposals sent by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. The resolution will be studied in the upcoming Annual League Meeting.
Steelers, Browns Propose Two Intriguing NFL Rules Changes For 2026 Season
The Steelers, who will have Mike McCarthy on the sidelines in 2026, proposed a rule change about free agency.
“To make permanent the change implemented during the 2025 season that permits clubs to have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective Unrestricted Free Agents during the Two-Day Negotiation Period, and to permit clubs to make travel arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms.”
Cleveland, who will have Todd Monken as their leader next campaign, proposed a rule change involving draft picks.
“To allow draft selections to be traded up to five (5) seasons in the future.”
Two team-proposed resolutions for the 2026 season have been sent to @NFL clubs for consideration ahead of the upcoming Annual League Meeting.
Competition Committee proposals will be shared next week. pic.twitter.com/sQozpURGyM
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) March 18, 2026
NFL teams are allowed to trade draft picks up to three years into the future. Adding two years to that period could prove damning for multiple teams. The Browns could become an example again, but they are pushing for it.
