jackson is an exclusive-rights free agent, the classification for players with expired contracts and two or fewer accrued NFL seasons. Teams may retain their rights by tendering an offer, and they cannot negotiate with other clubs.
Jackson just finished his second season. His minimum tender is $460,000, which is what the Bills are expected to offer their No. 2 running back. Jackson started three games when Marshawn Lynch was hurt. Jackson ran for 571 yards and three touchdowns in 2008. He also caught 37 passes for 317 yards.
Where Jackson's case gets peculiar is the combination of his age and the ramifications of the collective-bargaining agreement.
NFL owners are opting out two years early, creating an uncapped season in 2010 and setting into motion rules that will keep Jackson an exclusive-rights free agent an extra year. His tender for 2010 would be $545,000.
The thing is, Jackson will turn 28 next month. That means he wouldn't become a restricted free agent -- never mind unrestricted -- for the first time until he's 29, an unappealing age for a running back, regardless of his odometer readout.
Most players become eligible for restricted free agency when they're 24 or 25.
"It's unfortunate for Fred because of when he entered the league and the road he took to get there," Jackson's agent, Jerome Douglas, said. "But we realize the CBA can't change because Fred entered the league at a much older age than most players. We accept the situation for what it is and understand the limitations."
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Originally Posted by Emocoremakesmecry
