The new CBA has not been agreed upon yet, but it does seem like we are nearing towards the end of the NFL Lockout. If they do approve of the new deal at the July 21st meeting, like Chris Mortensen is suggesting (via Rich Tandler), then there will have to be a shortened form of free agency before training camps can begin. Here is what that schedule might look like.
- July 21: Educate the clubs on the news league rules and allow voluntary training for teams and agents.
- July 25: Sign undrafted rookies, as well as give free agents a chance to re-sign with their teams.
- July 28: League year starts and free agency begins.
- Aug. 2: Rosters must be set at 90 players.
- Aug. 3: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
- Aug. 7: A four-day match period for teams to match restricted free-agent offer sheets.
- Aug 12: Deadline for rookies to sign contracts (not yet agreed upon).
- Aug. 16: Signing period for restricted free agents ends, as does the signing period for franchise and transition tenders
- Aug. 29: Deadline for players to report to earned credit for an accrued season toward free agency.
All of this is assuming that the new CBS comes through on July 21st, but if they agree to on it any sooner, or even just one day later, it will change everything. I can only imagine the mayhem that would take place in a one week free agency period. Buckle your seatbelts everyone.