NFL Makes Steelers Rule Change Permanent

A rule change proposed by the Pittsburgh Steelers has been made permanent by the league.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the negotiation and signing of an NFL free agent contract, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette representing the energy and intensity of the process.The NFL's new permanent rule change allows for a more direct and personal free agency process, breaking down traditional barriers between teams and players.Today in Pittsburgh

The NFL has voted to make permanent a rule change originally proposed by the Pittsburgh Steelers that allows teams to hold one call with up to five unrestricted free agents during the legal tampering period. The rule was in a trial period last year and has now been adopted as a new standard across the league, offering a more seamless and personal process during the early stages of free agency.

Why it matters

The new rule provides more flexibility for teams and players to communicate directly during the free agency period, rather than having to go through agents. This could lead to quicker deals and a more efficient free agency process overall.

The details

Under the previous rules, teams were barred from talking directly to free agents during the legal tampering period and had to go through the players' agents. They also could not arrange travel plans for players they reached deals with until the new league year began. The new permanent rule allows teams to have up to five direct calls with free agents and to make travel plans once a deal is reached, though players still cannot visit team facilities until the new league year starts.

  • The rule change was originally proposed by the Steelers last offseason.
  • The rule was in a trial period during the 2025 legal tampering period.
  • NFL owners voted to make the rule permanent at the 2026 annual league meetings in Arizona.

The players

Art Rooney II

The president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who proposed the rule change that has now been made permanent by the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“The rule makes for a more seamless and personal process throughout the early stages of free agency in the tampering period, and clearly the trial period went well enough for it to become a constant in the NFL.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports Reporter

The takeaway

The Steelers' proposed rule change has been embraced by the NFL, signaling a shift towards a more direct and efficient free agency process that benefits both teams and players. This change could have a significant impact on how the annual free agency period unfolds going forward.