The Cleveland Browns were active in NFL free agency this offseason as they look to transform their defensive unit. There are, however, a great deal of those defensive players who will be free agents after the season. This includes the likes of pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and safety Grant Delpit.
Not every free agent is the same level of attainable to retain as there are three different types of free agents. Here are the three different types of NFL free agent and their definitions straight from the NFL’s website:
“Unrestricted free agent (UFA): Any player with four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract; free to negotiate and sign with any team.
Restricted free agent (RFA): A player with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers (“tenders”) that come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation. If the tender is withdrawn by a team, the RFA becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Exclusive rights free agent (ERFA): Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.”
All in all, the Browns are set to see 38 players enter free agency after the 2023 season. Here are those 38 players and the type of free agent they will be.