By now everyone has heard that the NFL is in an Uncapped season. But only a few really knows what that means. The first things people think of when the hear that it is an uncapped season, is spending spree. While that is of course possible, having an Uncapped year means so much more.
The Salary cap, the one thing that the NFL has always been known for is no more. Teams are free to spend as much or as Little as they want. Although most teams know that this will only be a one year thing and they do not want to get themselves into to trouble next year. Now there are many rules in place to prevent one team from stocking up on the top talent.
One of those rules is called the “Final Eight” rule. It limits the top eight ranking teams, based on how they finished in the playoffs, to only signing the amount of players they lost in the Free agent market. So for example if the Saints lost, 1 Free Agent. They will be able to hire one other free agent to replace him. This rule was created to stop the top teams from stacking the deck, in their favor.
Another rule to help keep teams balanced, is a change to the rule that determines who a free agent is. This year only those who have six or more seasons under their belt are considered Unrestricted Free Agents, who can sign with any team. Any player with 5 and fewer years are only considered restricted Free Agents and are only available to be signed by their team, or signed by another team as long as they send a draft pick to the team for which they belong.
There is also a rule that allows teams to reduce or eliminate the benefits they give to players. Although no team has yet to use this as a chance to save a few bucks, because once again they know it is just a one year deal.
So now you may be asking, what does all this mean. Well, it does not mean as much as sounds. While some players may be getting a little more money than they would have any other season. It has proven not to be as outrages as it could have been. Most teams have decided to stay out of the free agency market all together leaving only a few teams to fight over the veterans. Which could also be attributed to this being one of the best drafts in recent years. Now next year will be a different story if the NFL does not come to an agreement, you will be able to expect lockouts and or strikes, lets all hope that does not happen.
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