The Cleveland Browns’ General Manager Proposes Pushing Back the NFL Trade Deadline

The NFL Trade Deadline has often been criticized for its lack of excitement compared to other professional sports leagues, largely due to its early occurrence in the season. Andrew Berry, the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, aims to address this issue by advocating for a change.

Currently, the NFL Trade Deadline falls on the Tuesday following the completion of all Week 8 games. However, Berry believes that this timing is premature, considering that many teams have yet to determine their stance as “buyers” or “sellers” with only a portion of the season completed.

Speaking at the NFL Draft Scouting Combine, Berry highlighted the disparity between the NFL’s trade deadline and those of other leagues. He noted that baseball and basketball have their deadlines when a significant percentage of games have been played, whereas the NFL’s deadline occurs much earlier, at only 45% of the season completed.

Moreover, Berry pointed out that the recent expansion of the NFL schedule to 17 games was not accompanied by an adjustment to the trade deadline, further accentuating the timing issue. To rectify this, the Browns have proposed moving the deadline to after 55% of the games are played, which would align it more closely with the timing of other leagues.

Berry emphasized the need for proactive measures, especially considering the possibility of future expansions to the regular season, such as an 18-game schedule. By setting the deadline after Week 10 in a 19-week season, the proposal accounts for potential future changes.

While last year’s deadline fell on October 1, the proposed change would push it to mid-November, providing teams with more time to assess their needs and make informed decisions.

Although some may argue that the proposed deadline is still too early, Berry sees it as a step in the right direction. He envisions the potential for an even more exciting NFL landscape, particularly if the deadline were positioned around Thanksgiving, coinciding with the league’s traditional prominence during the holiday.

Ultimately, Berry’s proposal seeks to enhance the NFL Trade Deadline’s impact and create a more dynamic and engaging experience for teams and fans alike.