What is an accrued season for an NFL player?

An accrued season for an NFL player is defined as a season in which the player has been on the active roster, inactive list, or injured reserve for at least six regular season games. This is significant because accruing a season impacts a player's eligibility for various benefits, including free agency status and pension benefits.

When a player accrues a season, it contributes to their overall career seasons, which can influence contract negotiations, eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and other aspects related to their professional career within the league. The requirement of six games is set to ensure that the player is truly part of that season's roster, reflecting a stronger commitment to the team than just being signed or being on the sidelines.

The other options do not meet the league's definition of an accrued season. For instance, playing only three games, as stated in the first choice, is insufficient for an accrual. Simply signing a contract doesn't guarantee that a player has participated in the season, and a minimum of four played games alone does not satisfy the standard of six games required for season accrual.