How many accrued seasons are required for a player to be considered an unrestricted free agent?

To be classified as an unrestricted free agent in the NFL, a player must have accrued four seasons of experience in the league. An accrued season is defined as a season in which a player was on the 53-man roster for at least six games. After completing four such seasons, a player is eligible to negotiate with any team without restrictions, allowing them the freedom to explore the market for better contracts or opportunities with different franchises.

This rule is part of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, which aims to create a balance between player mobility and team stability. It ensures that players who have dedicated a significant amount of time to the league, demonstrating their skills and commitment, are rewarded with the chance to seek contracts that reflect their value.