What defines free agency in the NFL?

Free agency in the NFL is defined by the period when players can sign with any team after their contracts expire. This concept allows players the freedom to explore new opportunities and negotiate terms with any franchise, which is a fundamental aspect of player mobility within the league.

When a player's contract ends, they enter the free agent market where they have the option to sign with a different team, highlighting the competitive nature of the league and expanding players' opportunities to find a conducive environment for their careers. Free agency is vital for allowing teams to improve their rosters and for players to pursue contracts that better fit their aspirations and circumstances.

Other options, while they relate to various aspects of player movement and team management, do not capture the essence of free agency. The ability for teams to trade players typically refers to the intra-league transactions during other phases of the season. The drafting of new college players is a separate process with its own rules and timelines, distinct from free agency. Furthermore, the negotiation of player contracts is part of the process but does not encapsulate what free agency fundamentally represents—the unrestricted ability of players to choose their next team after their current contract ends.