One of the consequences of the NFL’s labor uncertainty? Restricted free agent tenders extended to players who may not be restricted free agents.
But it’s a prudent moves for teams, who have to protect themselves against losing their talent. Tuesday, the Jets placed tenders on nine impending free agents with five or less years of service — including CB Antonio Cromartie and WR Santonio Holmes at a first and third-round level.
Versatile receiver/quarterback/kick returner Brad Smith was tendered at a second-round level, the team also announced. Four players received original-round tenders: QB Kellen Clemens (third), S Eric Smith (third), CB Drew Coleman (sixth) and K Nick Folk (sixth).
S James Ihedigbo and OL Rob Turner, who were undrafted free agents, were given right-of-first refusal tenders, which do not require draft choice compensation.
The threshold for unrestricted free agency had been four years of service but jumped to six in the uncapped year, the final year of the existing collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players association.
If unrestricted free agency reverts to four years if and when a new CBA is reached, these tenders would be moot. But with the agreement set to expire, and no new labor deal yet in place, teams have to cover their bases.
