What's the difference between a restricted and an unrestricted free agent in the NFL? Breaking down contract stipulations

The 2024-25 NFL season has ended, and teams are getting well-deserved rest. However, some players will likely have much on their minds during this off-season.

That is because some players enter restricted or unrestricted free agency now that the season has ended. This article will differentiate between terminologies and showcase some of the biggest names on the free agent market. So, without further ado, let's get to it.

Who is a restricted free agent?

A restricted free agent is a player that can be offered three pre-determined one-year contracts. However, another franchise can make a counteroffer to beat the offer possibly. But still, the player's current team can match the new offer from a rival franchise (and get a draft pick if he's signed away).

Restricted free agents are players that have three accrued seasons. RFAs are typically late-round picks and undrafted free agents who have impressed in the later period of their contract with teams and are worth re-signing.

Who is an unrestricted free agent?

On the other hand, an unrestricted free agent is a player whose contract expires and is free to sign with whatever franchise he wants. That might be getting a more lucrative contract, a more significant role in a franchise, or playing closer to a hometown.

It's important to note that players can only become unrestricted free agents after spending four "accrued seasons" on an NFL roster.

Top 5 Notable free agents in the 2024 NFL off-season

Here are five of the most sought-after free agents in the 2024 NFL off-season:

1. Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

Sam Darnold's resurgence was arguably the biggest storyline of the 2024 NFL season. The Minnesota Vikings QB had a carrer year, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a passer rating of 102.5. While he had a rough ending to the season with two dud games, Darnold will still be highly sough-after free agent.

2. Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Just like Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson had a bounce back season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after his disastrous tenure with the Denver Broncos. He threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions with a passer rating of 95.6 in 11 games this season. He showed flashes of the old Seahawks Russ. With the Steelers deciding to move on, Wilson will be a huge veteran presence in any locker room. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders have been linked with the Super Bowl champion.

3. Tee Higgins, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

Tee Higgins is a massive star who's a free agent. The Cincinnati Bengals WR played the 2024 season on a franchise tag. The versatile pass catcher bounced back from an injury-riddled 2024 season by accounting for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 73 catches in 12 games. With Joe Burrow pressurizing the Bengals to prioirtize re-signing Higgins, it'll be interesting to see what the front office does. The star wide out will nonetheless be a massive add for teams with young QBs like Drake Maye's New England Patriots and Jayden Daniels' Washington Commanders.

4. Trey Smith, Guard, Kansas City Chiefs

It should be more clear by now that the most successful NFL teams are the ones built strong in the trenches. Offensive linemen, especially interior linemen have become highly sought-after players. Smith is belived to be a "top overall free agent" by ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler. Per PFF, the Kansas City Chiefs guard did not allow a single sack in 2024 in pass protection. While the team's O-line crumbled on the biggest stage, Smith's value shouldn't given his elite skillset.

5. Zach Baun, Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

Zach Baun took the NFL world by storm in 2024. The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker impressed everyone and earned himself a huge payday this offseaon. Baun was a significant part of the Eagles' Super Bowl run. He finished the season with 151 tackles (career-high), 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Baun also allowed an opposing passer rating of only 80.5 in coverage.