Currently in the 76th year of their rivalry, the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers have no plans of stopping their warfare. But, with their ever-increasing instances of playoff failures, or an inability to even reach that juncture in the Browns’ case, an overwhelming need has reared its head: Turning competitive rosters into championship contenders. In that very pursuit, the AFC North rivals have moved in a similar direction, united by a goal of reshaping NFL rules in their own way.

While no team submitted a proposal to ban the ‘Tush Push’ or suggested any other on-field rule changes per NFL executive Troy Vincent, the Browns and the Steelers are currently the only two franchises that have submitted proposals, a request if approved will also immensely help other franchises in the offseason. Let’s get to Pittsburgh’s request first.

“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,” was the Resolution G-1 Proposal from the Steelers, “and to permit clubs to make travel arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms.”

Notably, this year the NFL already allowed teams to conduct up to five phone or video calls directly with players on a trial basis during the two-day free agent negotiating period before the start of the league year. The Steelers are attempting to make it a permanent rule. Though it comes with a catch.

All correspondence will have to be reported to the NFL Player Personnel Department. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this will be a welcome change, especially considering the alternative option.

Under the current set of NFL rules, for players set to become unrestricted free agents, all negotiations were only allowed between the front offices or the player’s agents. It’s clear that direct contact with the players would aid in better streamlining negotiations and help make faster and more informed roster decisions. Additionally, it will also mean that players are able to build a personal connection faster with suitors.

That said, the proposal also asks for teams that reach an agreement to immediately arrange travel for the player, aiding in closing the deal. Under current rules, in-person visits cannot be made until the league year begins.

If the changes are approved, Pittsburgh could see real benefits. Since free agency started, they have been linked to names like Stefon Diggs. Already in need of a reliable WR behind DK Metcalf, with this rule, the Black and Gold can make a stronger, more personal pitch to Diggs.

Apart from this, a second rule change was also proposed, this time by their AFC North rival.

The Browns proposed a ‘risky’ rule

The Cleveland Browns have proposed a change that could stretch how far teams can plan ahead.

“To allow draft selections to be traded up to five (5) seasons in the future,” NFL Football Operations shared on X.

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If this gets the green light, teams could trade draft picks much further into the future. For instance, the Browns could start trading their 2029 picks as soon as this offseason. They even tried this out last year by being the first team to trade a 2028 pick when they acquired offensive tackle KT Leveston from the Rams. But this idea has some real risks.

For example, Cleveland could trade picks for 2031 right now if this rule passes. However, their past gives a reason to be cautious. They traded away first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to get Deshaun Watson from Houston, and that decision didn’t turn out well.

Watson had a tough time making a difference when it mattered most. Over three seasons, he played only 19 games and had a passer rating of 80.7, throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Still, the Browns believe this change could boost trade activity and give teams more flexibility in shaping their rosters.

Now, all 32 teams, including the Steelers and Browns, will review both rules before the Annual League Meeting from March 29 to April 1. They need 24 out of 32 votes to pass. Let’s see what happens next.