To be an undrafted free agent means a player was eligible to be selected in a professional sports league draft but was not chosen by any team during the draft rounds. After the draft concludes, these players become free to sign with any team that offers them a contract, rather than being bound to the team that drafted them (if any) since they were not drafted at all.
In the NFL:
- An undrafted free agent (UDFA) is a player who was eligible for the NFL Draft but was not selected in any of the seven rounds.
- Once undrafted, the player can negotiate and sign with any NFL team that shows interest, often immediately after the draft ends.
- Contracts for UDFAs usually have less guaranteed money and lower salaries compared to drafted players, but they still get the opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp and preseason.
- UDFAs can also be signed to practice squads, which provides a development path and a chance to be promoted to the active roster during the season.
- Many successful NFL players, including some Hall of Famers like Kurt Warner, began their careers as undrafted free agents.
- Being undrafted does not mean a player lacks talent; it simply means they were not selected during the draft process and must prove themselves through other avenues
In the NBA:
- Undrafted free agents are players who declared for the NBA Draft but were not selected in any of the 60 picks.
- These players can sign with any NBA team that offers them a contract immediately after the draft.
- Undrafted players often receive less lucrative contracts and may be offered two-way contracts, allowing them to split time between the NBA and its developmental G League.
- Despite the challenges, some undrafted players have carved out successful NBA careers
Summary:
Being an undrafted free agent means you were not picked during the draft but still have the opportunity to sign with any team willing to offer a contract. It is a less certain path to a professional career but offers freedom to choose teams and can lead to successful careers with hard work and development. This status applies across major sports leagues like the NFL and NBA, with similar implications in terms of contract terms, opportunities, and challenges
