As the offseason continues and the owners’ meeting approaches shortly, it’s around this time that new rule proposals are suggested. Last year was the controversy of banning the “Tush Push,” a play that was deemed “unstoppable” by the Philadelphia Eagles. This year, it’s another rule, but it’s more about team building and draft picks. The Cleveland Browns proposed an NFL rule that allows teams to trade draft picks five years into the future instead of three.
At a glance, the rule seems asinine to the point
of egregious, but for said rule to pass, only 24 teams have to approve, out of 32.
At a glance, this offseason we’ve seen multiple teams (Denver Broncos being the recent example) trade first-round picks for players. Teams with championship windows are willing to take gambles on giving up 1st round picks for star players in order to win a Super Bowl. Short-term gain (trading premium picks for a player with a track record of high production) against drafting young talent.
In the Browns case, the reason they want this rule implemented is to have a more active trade market along with roster flexibility. It brings up the question about star defensive end Myles Garrett and his trade value. Garrett is worth more than three 1st round picks, but it’s the starting point if a trade were to happen (albeit it’s not even close to likely at this point).
The main question is, why would the Browns suggest this rule? It’s possible that it is more about who the owner, Jimmy Haslam, wants.
Speculation or not, it seems clear that Haslem is interested in current Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, who is draft eligible in 2027.
Last year, Haslam discussed the Manning family and believed that Arch would return to Texas for another season, as he ended up doing:
“I think if you know the Manning family, I would bet that — and I don’t know Arch at all — I would bet he stays in college two years,” Haslam said. “So, I don’t even really think that’s worth discussing.”
Granted, the season has yet to start, and no one knows how the team is going to look, including QB Shedeur Sanders, but let’s say this rule proposal were to pass. What is stopping Haslem from offering the farm for a highly touted prospect in Manning? It’s clear Haslem will intervene when he’s not obligated to do so (it is his team and money). In that light, it seems this rule proposal could be about Haslem potentially wanting to get Manning and less about roster flexibility.
It’s all speculation, and it’s not a guarantee this rule will pass, but anyone can read between the lines and understand what is going on.
What do you think: Is this rule proposal about Arch Manning, Myles Garrett trades, or something else? Do you think Haslam is pushing to acquire the next NFL Manning?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
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