Future contracts are designed so teams can sign free agents once the NFL season ends, but the contract themselves don’t go into effect until the new league year begins in March. These contracts won’t count against the current salary cap; instead, they go against the 90 man limit the following league year. It’s a way to add to the fringe part of the roster without affecting upcoming free agency.
Jack Easterby, in his current role as interim general manager of the Houston Texans, used his power to sign three players to reserve-future deals. They are Cohl Cabral, Curtis Bolton, and Anthony Kukwa.