Rams GM Backed Browns' Proposal to Expand Draft Pick Trades

Les Snead said he would have voted in favor of the proposal to allow teams to trade picks up to 5 years in the future.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead, known for his willingness to trade away first-round draft picks, said he would have voted in favor of the Cleveland Browns' proposal to expand the number of years teams can trade future draft selections. The proposal, which was ultimately withdrawn, would have allowed teams to trade picks up to 5 years in the future, instead of the current 3-year limit.

Why it matters

Snead's comments provide insight into the ongoing debate within the NFL around the value of draft picks and the league's willingness to embrace more flexibility in how teams can manage their future selections. The proposal aimed to give teams more options to build their rosters, but faced resistance from the NFL Competition Committee.

The details

Snead told Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show that he would have voted in favor of the Browns' proposal, saying he would have liked to hear the arguments for and against it. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn, but Cleveland.com reported the goal was to "get teams talking about it" with the expectation it would be submitted again next year. Rams coach Sean McVay, a member of the NFL Competition Committee, said the committee voted 11-0 against the proposal, calling it a "zero percent chance" of getting through.

  • The Browns withdrew the proposal in April 2026.
  • The NFL Competition Committee voted 11-0 against the proposal.

The players

Les Snead

The general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, known for his willingness to trade away first-round draft picks.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams and a member of the NFL Competition Committee.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that submitted the proposal to expand the number of years teams can trade future draft picks.

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What they’re saying

“I would've said yes, but I would've liked to have heard the reasons for or against... and just get it discussed.”

— Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams General Manager

“There's too many checks and balances to say, 'You know what, we're just going to trade five first-round draft picks.' It would be interesting, if it would've gotten to the floor, would've been able to get discussed and get all the viewpoints on that.”

— Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams General Manager

“We're a pretty traditional league. So to put something on the table, probably that radical, and get it voted on... that was going to be tough. But it's in the ecosystem now, it's in the metaverse now. We're going to discuss it. So, maybe in time.”

— Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams General Manager

What’s next

The NFL Competition Committee is expected to revisit the proposal to expand draft pick tradability at a future meeting.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing tension within the NFL between traditional approaches to the draft and the desire for more roster-building flexibility. While Rams GM Les Snead was open to the Browns' proposal, the Competition Committee's firm opposition suggests the league remains cautious about radically changing the draft system.