Count the Los Angeles Rams as likely proponents of the proposed rule change, put forth by the Cleveland Browns, that would allow clubs to trade draft picks five years into the future.
Rams team president Kevin Demoff took to social media on Wednesday to espouse the positives of the proposed rule change.
“Nothing creates more interest in the NFL than trades,” Demoff wrote. “This is why Cleveland’s proposal to allow teams to trade picks up to 5 years out as opposed to 3 years out makes so much sense. More picks to trade = more trades = more interest and team-building options.”
Of course, the Rams, who have famously picked once in the first round since 2016, would be a logical proponent of a rule allowing clubs to trade away more draft selections. It’s in line with the fundamental team-building process that has brought Demoff, general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay success.
It’s easy for a successful franchise to see the value in expanding its market further. The issue is the, let’s say, less well-run teams, and what trading away hordes of future picks could do for long-term functionality. What happens when a GM on the hot seat goes all in, mortgages the future, and it ultimately fails? Will owners micromanage the football people in those instances, set a clear boundary, or take the risk? Does the NFL, which prides itself on the ability of teams to quickly go from bad to good, want the possibility that one of its teams could be handicapped long-term by a short-term decision?