Definition of Unrestricted Free Agent

What does the term "unrestricted free agent" mean in the world of sports? What is meant by the term "unrestricted free agent"?

In the world of sports, an unrestricted free agent is any player that is free to negotiate and sign with any team that they choose.

In the NFL, an unrestricted free agent is a player with four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract.

In the NHL, an unrestricted free agent is a player with an expired contract and 7 accrued seasons/or they are over the age of 27 as of a certain date.

Every league has their own free agency rules - these are just two examples.

Unrestricted free agency is a situation that every player in every league wants, especially if they are seen as being a high-value commodity.

Unrestricted free agency also means that their former team receives no compensation for them signing with a different team, which helps to increase their value.

In any collective bargaining agreement negotiation, player's unions usually push for more liberal free agency, as it helps to increase their value on the open market.