The unrestricted free agent tender is something that is rarely used in the NFL, but we saw it placed on a pair of players this offseason. This is a unique tender that is put on free agents that gives the player the ability to be on the open market and sign with any of the 32 teams, all while the team they previously played for can get compensated as well.
What Is the Unrestricted Free Agent Tender?
Veteran running back J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Elijah Moore each received the unrestricted free agent tender from their respective teams, the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns, sparking confusion from fans regarding the nature of the rare move.
In 2025, the unrestricted free agent tender is worth $3.428 million. As a result of this tender being placed on them, both players can still sign a free agent contract, and if they sign with a team before July 22, the team they last played for would receive value in return via the compensatory draft pick formula. However, if they are still free agents after July 22, their former team will hold their exclusive negotiating rights.
To cross sports here, think of this as similar to MLB’s qualifying offer, as it is the closest to an unrestricted free agent tender we can compare with.
As Moore and Dobbins suddenly have a time crunch to find a deal during unrestricted free agency, one of the players recently had a meeting with a team. Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane discussed on the “One Bills Live” show about hosting Moore for a visit.
“Elijah Moore is here. He’s a guy we’ve spoken to a few times leading up to the draft, and we just kind of put a pin in it, just like we did several other positions and say, ‘Hey, let’s wait until the draft and see where we’re at, see if he’s still interested.’ If we took a guy in the first or second round, he’s probably not too interested. But we didn’t, and so, you know, we picked up those conversations over the weekend,” Beane said.
#Bills GM Brandon Beane on the free agent visit from former Jets/Browns WR Elijah Moore🔊⬇️#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/4SJy4jVcrg
— One Bills Live (@OneBillsLive)
As for Dobbins, he has not been linked to another team at this point. However, with Los Angeles signing Najee Harris this offseason, as well as drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, his future in L.A. seems uncertain in a crowded RB room. With the unrestricted free agent tender, do not be surprised if he rushes to find a new home before the deadline.
