Free NFL Analytics Platform — A Directory of Our Hubs
StickToTheModel is a free NFL analytics platform organized around a few core hubs. Each hub is the home for a specific category of NFL coverage — pick the one that matches what you're looking for. No signup required.
Our Hubs
Mock Draft Simulator — The simulator hub. 7-round NFL mock drafts with trades, AI opponents, and instant grades.
NFL GM Simulator — The GM mode hub. Manage salary cap, cuts, trades, franchise tags, and the draft for any team.
2026 Draft Prospect Hub — Big board, scouting reports, combine measurables, and team visit tracker.
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Our platform offers data-driven NFL analysis with tools for draft preparation, fantasy football, and player research. All core features are free with daily updates during the NFL season.
The platform serves fantasy football players, NFL Draft enthusiasts, dynasty league managers, sports bettors, content creators, and casual fans exploring NFL statistics.
Restricted Free Agent (RFA): NFL Definition
A player with three accrued NFL seasons whose contract has expired. RFAs can negotiate with other teams, but the original team can match any offer and may receive draft pick compensation if it declines.
Full Explanation
A restricted free agent is a player who has exactly three accrued seasons in the NFL and whose contract has expired. Unlike unrestricted free agents, RFAs are subject to significant constraints. Their current team can place a qualifying offer (also called a tender) on them at various levels, each carrying different salary amounts and compensation requirements if another team signs the player away.
The tender levels for RFAs include: first-round tender (highest salary, team receives a first-round pick if player signs elsewhere), second-round tender, original-round tender (compensation equals the round the player was originally drafted in), and right-of-first-refusal-only tender (lowest salary, no draft pick compensation but team can match any offer). If another team signs an RFA to an offer sheet, the original team has five days to match the contract terms.
In practice, most RFAs receive a tender and remain with their current team. The system is designed to give teams additional control over young players who have completed their initial contracts but have not yet reached full unrestricted status. Players who were undrafted and receive the original-round tender are treated as though they were drafted in the equivalent round based on their tender level.
Category: Free Agency & Tags. Part of the StickToTheModel NFL Encyclopedia.