What is a roster exemption?

A roster exemption refers specifically to a situation in which a player who is not currently on a team's active roster is effectively allowed to remain affiliated with that team without counting against its roster limit. This often applies to players who are unsigned free agents or those who have not yet signed a contract but are still recognized as belonging to that team's roster in some capacity.

In many cases, roster exemptions can facilitate team strategy, especially during the off-season when teams are preparing for training camps and are managing their rosters tightly. It allows teams to keep certain players in consideration while not being limited by the strict roster limits imposed during regular season play. This is particularly beneficial for players who may be negotiating contracts or transitioning between teams.

Understanding roster exemptions is key for agents, as it can affect their clients' opportunities and roles within teams. It is important to note that roster exemptions do not involve trade restrictions, waivers for injured players, or limitations on player counts in the same manner, which are addressed by different rules and procedures within the NFL.