One of the defining characteristics of the wild NFL weekend just passed: Reports of "agreements" being reached with free agents before free agency even started. (Future Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwelleven went on the record about it.)
NFL rules during the league's three-day negotiating period, which started Saturday, state that teams can't make official offers or come to contract agreements. Those rules have clearly been flaunted, and the league has taken notice. NFL Media's Albert Breer obtained a NFL memo from a club source saying the league will investigate whether the negotiating rules of the legal tampering period were violated.
Here is the complete memo:
"Clubs were advised of the rules for the three-day negotiating period in PP-23-15 (attached). These rules include limitations such as that a club cannot make an 'offer;' or enter into a written or oral agreement of any kind, express or implied, or make promises or representations of any type concerning the terms or conditions of employment to be offered to any Unrestricted Free Agent for inclusion in a Player Contract after the start of the new League Year; or provide assurances of intent as to the future execution of an NFL Player Contract.
"Clubs were further advised that "Any attempt to undermine the purpose of this negotiating period may be considered conduct detrimental to the League." At this time, the League office is beginning investigations into a number of reported agreements with clubs. Violations will be dealt with accordingly."
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