The deadline for NFL restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with rival clubs passed on Friday, so RFAs no longer have the option of landing with another club (except via trade). So far, thee RFAs have inked offer sheets, and Bills running back Mike Gillislee is still in limbo as he waits to hear if Buffalo will match the Patriots’ proposal.
Other high-profile restricted free agent cases exist, as well. The Saints held a public dalliance with Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, but declined to sign him to an offer sheet that would have forced them to sacrifice the No. 11 pick. A trade between the two teams is still possible, however, but may need to be completed before the draft begins on Thursday.
Browns running back Isaiah Crowell, meanwhile, reportedly drew interest during the RFA period, but never landed an offer sheet as any club would have had to give up a second-round pick to sign him away. Crowell is now staying away from Cleveland’s offseason workouts, though his end game is unclear.
In total, more than 40 restricted free agents have been tendered this offseason, and nine have yet to sign their RFA tender. Let’s take a look at where things stand with each restricted free agent:
Under Contract
Signed to offer sheet:
- Garry Gilliam, T: Signed one-year, $2.2MM offer sheet with 49ers. Seahawks declined to match.
- Mike Gillislee, RB: Signed two-year, $6.4MM offer sheet with Patriots. Bills have until Monday to match.
- Ryan Groy, OL: Signed two-year, $5MM offer sheet with Rams. Matched by Bills.
First-round tender ($3.91MM):
- Malcolm Butler, CB (Patriots)
Second-round tender ($2.746MM):
- Trey Burton, TE (Eagles)
- Todd Davis, LB (Broncos)
- Taylor Gabriel, WR (Falcons)
- Wesley Johnson, C (Jets)
- Andrew Norwell, G (Panthers)
- Chris Thompson, RB (Redskins)
- Marcus Williams, CB (Jets)
Original round / right of first refusal tender ($1.797MM):
- Denico Autry, DE (Raiders)
- Marcus Burley, CB (Browns)
- Ross Cockrell, CB (Steelers)
- Cameron Fleming, T (Patriots)
- Ryan Griffin, QB (Buccaneers)
- Chris Hubbard, T (Steelers)
- Ryan Jensen, OL (Ravens)
- Cornelius Lucas, T (Lions)
- Cairo Santos, K (Chiefs)
- Michael Thomas, S (Dolphins)
- Korey Toomer, LB (Chargers)
- Ethan Westbrooks, DE (Rams)
- Kerry Wynn, DE (Giants)
Tendered, then extended:
- Kiko Alonso, LB (Dolphins): Tendered at first-round level before signing three-year deal.
- T.J. Johnson, OL (Bengals): Tendered at original round level before signing two-year deal
- Daniel Sorensen, S (Chiefs): Tendered at second-round level before signing four-year deal.
- Adam Thielen, WR (Vikings): Tendered at second-round level before signing three-year deal
Tendered, then signed lesser deal:
- Michael Campanaro, WR (Ravens)
- James Hurst, T (Ravens)
In addition to those players listed above, there is a small group of restricted free agents who haven’t yet signed their tenders (plus two who had their tenders withdrawn). The players below don’t have the option of leaving for another club, so odds are that they’ll all eventually ink their tenders. If they don’t do so by June 15, however, their respective teams can reduce their salaries to 110% of their 2016 pay.
Unsigned
Second-round tender ($2.746MM):
- Isaiah Crowell, RB (Browns)
- Dontrelle Inman, WR (Chargers)
- Brandon McManus, K (Broncos)
Original round / right of first refusal tender ($1.797MM):
- William Compton, LB (Redskins)
- Dominique Easley, DT (Rams)
- Jacquies Smith, DE (Buccaneers)
- Terrance West, RB (Ravens)
- Damien Williams, RB (Dolphins)
- Albert Wilson, WR (Chiefs)
Tendered, then withdrawn:
- Marqueston Huff, S (Ravens)
- Jumal Rolle, CB (Ravens)
Can you tender a former first round pick the original round tender in order to get him at a lesser price for the same compensation?
Yes. Any team that signed Easley to an offer sheet would have had to sacrifice a first-round pick. Very unique situation.