The NFLPA sent players a letter on Tuesday essentially saying that veteran free agents should feel free to start shopping their services around to interested teams.
Here’s a section of the letter from NFPA attorney Mark Levin, courtesy of Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post:
“So, until you hear otherwise, if you are not under contract, Class Counsel believes that you and your agent can contact teams and shop your services to the clubs. Judge Nelson’s order is in effect as of 6 p.m. EDT on April 25, 2011, and unless and until that order is stayed, the clubs are NOT allowed to refuse to negotiate with you. If they do refuse, you should contact Class Counsel immediately.”
NFL teams aren’t reciprocating interest yet.
Agent David Canter wrote on Twitter that he initially couldn’t get a response from teams when contacting them. Eventually he did hear back, and got the same message repeatedly:
“No one will deal because ‘we don’t know what rules we are functioning under”’ Canter wrote.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus told Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal he has also been contacting teams.
“Can’t comment on their reaction,” Rosenhaus said. “Don’t want to get anyone in trouble.”