Restricted FA

[Mike Lowe]

When is the last season a player can still be restricted? I'm referring to signing a rookie contract.

[QuikSand]

In FOF, players with expired contracts are considered restricted through their first four years. The team who held their rights gets an exclusive shot to re-sign them during early free agency. After the draft, and once late free agency starts, those players become unrestricted and any team may bid for them.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Right, to help clarify for planning purposes if a guy is a 3-year player, then the next season he will still be restricted. But if he is currently a 4-year guy, he is going to be free the next season (unless already under contract for longer).