Which type of free agent has more limited options due to the placement of tenders?

Restricted Free Agents have more limited options primarily due to the rules governing their status within the NFL. When a player is classified as a restricted free agent, their current team can offer them a tender, which is essentially a contract offer that sets the terms for how other teams can negotiate with them.

This tender also includes a compensation requirement if another team tries to sign the player away. If another team makes an offer to a restricted free agent, the original team has the right to match that offer and retain the player. If they choose not to match, they receive draft pick compensation based on the level of the tender that was offered.

This mechanism significantly restricts the ability of restricted free agents to explore a wide range of opportunities with various teams. In contrast, unrestricted free agents are free to negotiate with any team without such limitations, and franchise players have their own unique contract stipulations, typically enjoying higher salaries but also somewhat limited within the context of their respective teams. Consequently, the tenders placed on restricted free agents create a more controlled environment for their movement compared to other classifications of free agents.