“Great players should become great trade chips — not permanent property.”
Why This Proposal Exists
The keeper system rewards great drafting, smart roster management, and long-term planning. This proposal keeps that reward while making sure elite players continue moving through the League.
The goal is not to punish anyone for finding a superstar. The goal is to give that superstar a shelf life with one franchise and turn him into a valuable trade asset before the clock runs out.
Current Rule
A player may be kept indefinitely as long as the franchise can pay the required keeper cost. Once the player reaches first-round value, there is currently no limit on how many times the same franchise may keep him with a first-round pick.
Proposed Rule
Once a player reaches first-round keeper value, the same franchise may keep that player with a first-round pick for a maximum of three seasons.
After the third first-round keeper season, that franchise may not keep the player again. The player must either be traded before the keeper deadline or returned to the Annual Draft.
If the player is traded, the acquiring franchise receives a fresh three-season first-round keeper window.
When It Takes Effect
If approved, this rule takes effect for the 2027 season.
This is not a fresh three-year clock. Any first-round keeper seasons used before 2027 count toward the limit.
If a franchise has already kept the same player with a first-round pick three times before the 2027 keeper deadline, that franchise may not use the player as a keeper in 2027. The player must be traded before the deadline or returned to the Annual Draft.
Example
| Season | Keeper Status |
|---|---|
| 2024 | First Round — Year 1 |
| 2025 | First Round — Year 2 |
| 2026 | First Round — Year 3 |
| 2027 | Not eligible to be kept by the same franchise |
Before the 2027 keeper deadline, the franchise has two choices:
Trade the player. The acquiring franchise begins its own three-year first-round window.
Do not trade the player. He returns to the Annual Draft.
Why the Commissioners Recommend It
Keeps elite players moving through the League.
Creates meaningful trade value before a keeper window expires.
Rewards Franchise Managers who plan ahead.
Preserves the reward for great drafting without creating permanent ownership.
Cast Your Vote
Each Franchise Manager receives one vote. Individual votes are visible only to the Commissioners, and final totals will be announced after voting closes.