The NFL begins its annual ritual of rumors, news, and player movement this week as the start of the 2018 league year begins. That means that free agency is upon us, which makes this the perfect time for a reminder about the NFL’s rules in that arena.
Drawing most of the headlines in the next few weeks will be the Unrestricted Free Agents. These are players who are free to sign with any NFL team of their choosing. Only players with four or more years of accrued experience and whose contracts expired after the 2017 season are eligible for this status.