The NFL opened the door for negotiations before the start of the new league year and now seems surprised that those talks have resulted in deals.



On the heels of contracts in principle with several players, most notably a reportedly quick agreement between Ndamukong Suh and the Miami Dolphins, commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all general managers, head coaches and player personnel directors about the premature execution of a contract.

Included in those deals is one by the Raiders originally reported by CBS Sports Insider Jason LaCanfora, a five-year, $44.5 million contract to Chiefs center Rodney Hudson.

No announcements were forthcoming by the Raiders until the Tuesday, and that included reports of restricted free agents that had been tendered but not yet signed.

Regarding reported deals with unrestricted free agents, a memo obtained by the NFL Network said clubs were not to enter into “an agreement of any kind” and that “any announcement of an agreement or an agreement in principle by a club or another party, including, but not limited to, a certified agent, player or media organization may subject the club to a tampering investigation.”

The NFL began the process of having a three-day window last season in part because so many contracts were agreed upon on the first day of free agency it was obvious that tampering was going on anyway.

Teams and players haven’t announced any of the reportedly agreed upon deals. The usual process involves agents who leak information to major media outlets on the terms of anonymity and then can concentrate on deals for their other clients.

Since no contract agreements can be finalized until Tuesday starting at 1 p.m. (PST), it will be interesting to see if any party reneges if a better offer comes forth. Running back Frank Gore, originally reported to be heading to Philadelphia, is now said to be considering Indianapolis instead.

It’s also possible teams will hold off on any announcements for a day or two after the start of the new league year, if only to make it appear as if negotiations were still taking place even if the contract is all but completed.

If the NFL finds no text, e-mail or premature announcement of a deal, it won’t have much in the way of enforcement capability when free agency comes around next year.