Steelers are responsible for massive change to NFL free agency after proposed rule change passes at annual league meetings
In recent years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have started to become more agressive in their free agent approach. Sure this year they didn't take any big swings as they await Aaron Rodgers, but the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf is sure to suffice the appetite of many. But there is always tinkering to be done to […]
In recent years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have started to become more agressive in their free agent approach.
Sure this year they didn't take any big swings as they await Aaron Rodgers, but the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf is sure to suffice the appetite of many.
But there is always tinkering to be done to the process, and at Tuesday's league owners meetings in Palm Beach, the Steelers' proposal to make it that much better ended up passing…
Steelers free agent communication proposal passes at 2025 league owners meetings
The Steelers’proposal regarding contact with free agents during the negotiating window passed with some modification on a one-year trial basis. Clubs now can have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective UFAs, and to book travel upon agreeing to terms. Previously, clubs could only have contact with agents — not players — until free agency officially begins 52 hours later. A common-sense change at a time clubs are doling out billions of dollars to players they haven’t talked to.
Tom Pelissero, NFL Network (via Twitter-X)
It's a significant change to the free-agent process. The truth is, a lot of the NFL's free-agent deals are done before free agency begins and even before the tampering period begins.
The NFL Combine portrays itself as a pre-draft event that every team needs to be apart of. But that's not the case. Sure, there is valuable data and information that flows from the weekend in Indy, but when the cameras are off, coaches, GMs, agents and players are meeting in hotel rooms to discuss contract terms and future destinations.
Now, that technically isn't legal, so the move to allow said communication adds a safety measure for the teams that are already doing said tampering, or in my opinion, simply having the discussions they should be.
How else do you think when the clock strikes noon on Monday of the legal tampering every year that there are tons of deals being announced?
They arent't done within 30 seconds. That much is certain.
