The restricted free agent has become a dying breed over the course of the past six years ever since the most recent shuffling of the collective bargaining agreement made all rookie draft pick contracts at least four years. Only undrafted players and those who were released and not claimed off waivers—with few exceptions—reach the restricted free agent status anymore.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have themselves a couple of interesting ones this year with starting cornerback Ross Cockrell and reserve offensive lineman Chris Hubbard. There are some mixed opinions about Cockrell as a long-term starter, but it’s hard to imagine that they do not offer him at least an original-round restricted tender, which would require that a team signing him to a contract forfeit a fourth-round draft pick if the Steelers choose not to match the offer.