A common question from Eagles fans is how long are players signed for? The Eagles media relations department has provided a detailed look at when all of the Eagles are signed until in this week's game notes.
Before the players who are signed through just 2009 are listed, the terms of free agency for the 2010 off-season have to be explained. Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a player needs four years of service in the NFL to become an unrestricted free agent. However, the CBA is set to expire after the 2010 season. If there is no new CBA before March 2010, the final season of the CBA will be played without a salary cap. The rules for free agency would then change. A player will now need six years of service to become an unrestricted free agent.
An unrestricted free agent can sign with a new team and the old team would have no recourse of action. A restricted free agent can sign with a new team, but the old team would have the ability to match the offer or potentially receive draft picks as compensation.
With that in mind, the following players will be unrestricted free agents after the 2009 season no matter what happens with the CBA: free safety Sean Jones, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, defensive end Jason Babin and linebacker Tracy White.
The following players would be unrestricted free agents in a salary cap year, but in an uncapped year now become restricted free agents: cornerback Ellis Hobbs, guard Nick Cole, fullback Leonard Weaver, tight end Alex Smith, linebacker Omar Gaither, wide receiver Jason Avant, guard Max Jean-Gilles and linebacker Chris Gocong.
The following players will be restricted free agents no matter what happens with the CBA: punter Sav Rocca and linebacker Akeem Jordan.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:43 a.m., December 19
