A UDFA deal means a contract an NFL team offers to an undrafted free agent. UDFA contracts are for three years if players make the 53-man roster.
Since these players were not selected in the NFL draft, they can sign with any team that offers them a contract. The deals are typically non-guaranteed contracts with little to no signing bonus.
However, they may include other incentives, such as bonuses for making the active roster or practice squad. As the 2023 NFL Draft has recently concluded, some players who were not selected are now signing contracts with NFL teams.
One such player is Malik Cunningham, a Louisville quarterback who has signed with the New England Patriots. His contract includes a $30,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $170,000.
Another player who has signed with an NFL team after going undrafted is Tyrus Wheat, a linebacker from Mississippi State. He is joining the Dallas Cowboys on a contract guaranteed to pay him $185,000 and a $20,000 signing bonus.
Undrafted Free Agent Deal Explained
UDFA stands for undrafted free agent in the NFL. It refers to a rookie player who was not selected in the NFL draft and is free to sign with any team offering a contract.
These are free agents and not subject to the same rules and regulations as drafted players. They are free to sign with any team that is interested in them, and they can negotiate their own contracts.
However, because they are not drafted, they typically have less negotiation leverage than drafted players, and their contracts may be less lucrative.
Teams often sign undrafted free agents to fill out their rosters and compete for a spot on the team during training camp. Some undrafted free agents, such as Jeff Saturday, J.C. Jackson, and Phillip Lindsay have gone on to have successful NFL careers.
Similarly, quarterback Tony Tomo signed a seven years $119.5 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys. But before the massive agreement, he was unselected out of Eastern Illinois in the 2003 NFL Draft.
On the other hand, Undrafted free agents meaning in the NFL differs from UFA, which stands for an unrestricted free agent.
While UDFA means a player goes undrafted in the NFL draft, UFA means a player has completed their contract and is free to sign with any team without restrictions. An unrestricted free agent has four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract.
UDFA In Traning Camp And Preseason
Undrafted players face an uphill battle to achieve success in the NFL. They must prove their worth during training camp and preseason games, where they can demonstrate their abilities.
During training camp, every healthy player receives on-field repetitions, allowing them to showcase their skills against the competition.
Additionally, after training camp, teams play four preseason games where coaches can evaluate players in game-like situations and finalize their roster.
Typically, starters play for a limited time in each preseason game, which allows the coaching staff to give more playing time to backups and rookies.
This approach helps to evaluate how they perform under pressure and in live game situations, which is crucial in determining their position on the roster.
How Do UDFA Contracts Work?
UDFA contracts are offered to undrafted free agents after the NFL draft. They can negotiate and seal a deal with any team offering them contracts without limitations.
These contracts' length and size may vary, but they often sign for the league's minimum salary of $750,000 annually.
If they make the 53-man roster, they get a three-year contract that may include guaranteed money. The amount of guaranteed money can vary depending on the player and the team.
When a team signs a UDFA, they offer a contract with various terms and conditions. Generally, the contracts are less lucrative than those drafted players signed. However, these contracts allow undrafted players to prove themselves and earn a spot on an NFL roster.
For instance, Kendell Brooks, a safety from Michigan State University, went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, per sporting news. He signs a UDFA contract with the Arizona Cardinals that includes the following terms:
- Signing Bonus: $5,000
- Base Salary: $750,000 if he makes the team
- Guarantees: None
- Bonuses: $5,000 for playing in 5 games, $10,000 for playing in 10 games, and $15,000 for playing in 15 games.
If Brooks makes the Cardinals' final roster, he will earn a base salary of $610,000. He will also receive a $5,000 signing bonus upfront. If he plays in at least five games, he will earn an additional $5,000 bonus.
However, if Brooks does not make the Cardinals' final roster, he will not receive any of the bonuses, and his signing bonus will be the only money he earns from the contract.
Undrafted Free Agents Salary Breakdown
Undrafted free agents salaries are worth $750000 per year. The deals and size of UDFA agreements can vary depending on the teams.
These players are limited to receiving a maximum of $88,000 in bonuses throughout their contract, which typically lasts three years. If they make the 53-man roster each year, they can earn $435,000 in the first year, $525,000 in the second year, and $615,000 in the third year.
If an undrafted free agent impresses their team and becomes a restricted free agent after their third year, they could potentially earn up to $3.88 million in their fourth year.
The lower tender for a fourth-year UDFA is $1.785 million, while the mid-level tender is $2.73 million, according to a 2015 piece on Nola.com.
Some people on Quora suggest that undrafted rookies should receive a minimum season contract of $495,000 with the possibility of additional bonuses or incentives.
If an undrafted player is not included in the 53-man roster but is invited to the practice squad, they are guaranteed a minimum of $8,000 per week or $136,000 for the regular season.
If they are later activated to the 53-man roster, they will receive a pro-rated league minimum contract of $495,000 plus any additional bonuses or incentives they have negotiated.
2023 Undrafted Free Agents
Several undrafted free agents have found homes in the NFL. Jacob Slade, a defensive lineman from Michigan State, signed with the Arizona Cardinals and received $200,000 guaranteed.
USC's Brandon Pili signed with the Miami Dolphins and received $100,000 guaranteed. Earl Bostick Jr., an offensive tackle from Kansas, signed with the Dallas Cowboys and received $220,000 guaranteed.
Cam Jones, a linebacker from Indiana, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and received a $15,000 signing bonus and $135,000 guaranteed base salary. Army's Andre Carter II went to the Minnesota Vikings.
Xazavian Valladay, a running back from Arizona State, signed a deal worth $175,000 in guarantees with the Houston Texans. Mohamed Ibrahim, a running back from Minnesota, signed with the Detroit Lions and received $100,000 guaranteed.
