With free agency set to open in a little over a week, we've put together this little Q & A related to the NFL's annual shopping spree.
Q - When does the free agency signing period begin?
A - 12:01 AM ET on Friday, March 5
Q - What are the different types of free agents?
A - Players are either "restricted" or "unrestricted" free agents. Players can also be given the "transition" or "franchise" tag.
Q - How long is the free agency signing period this year?
A - Restricted free agents: from March 5 to April 15
Unrestricted free agents: from March 5 to July 22 (or the first
scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later)
Franchise players: from March 5 through the 10th week of the season.
Q - How does the NFL define an "accrued season?"
A - Six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserved-injured or "physically unable to perform" lists.
Q - Can a team withdraw its franchise or transition designations on a player?
A - A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designations and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent either immediately or when his contract expires. The club loses the right to name a new franchise or transition player that year.
Q - What is the salary cap for 2010?
A - Unless the league and the Players' Union come to a new agreement before the start of free agency, there will be no salary cap (or floor) for the upcoming season. Additionally, any unrestricted free agents with less than six seasons in the league will automatically become restricted free agents.
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