How many accrued seasons are required for a player to be considered a restricted free agent?

To qualify as a restricted free agent in the NFL, a player must have completed three accrued seasons in the league. An accrued season is defined as a season in which a player is on the active roster, inactive list, or the physically unable to perform list for at least six games. After achieving three accrued seasons, a player becomes eligible for restricted free agency, allowing their current team to retain certain rights, including the ability to match any offer from other teams or to receive draft pick compensation if they choose not to match.

The significance of three accrued seasons lies in the balance it creates between providing players with some level of free agency while still protecting the investments of the teams that developed them. This structure allows teams to ensure they have a say in the future of their players who have dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to the organization.