NFL investigating potential free agent contract violations by teams

The NFL has sent an email to all 32 teams saying the league is not happy that contract terms are being released before the start of free agency.

The NFL has sent an email to all 32 teams saying the league is not happy that contract terms are being released before the start of free agency and is investigating, reports Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin. 

NFL free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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The full email was obtained by NFL Network's Albert Breer. The league says it is "beginning investigations into a number of reported agreements with clubs" and promised to deal with any potential violations "accordingly."

In its email, the league reminded teams of its rules in the three days leading up to the start of free agency, a window that is meant for negotiation.

These rules include limitations such as that a club cannot make an "offer;" or enter into a written or oral agreement of any kind, express or implied, or make promises or representations of any type concerning the terms or conditions of employment to be offered to any unrestricted free agent for inclusion in a player contract after the start of the new league year; or provide assurances of intent as to the future execution of an NFL player contract. ​

The NFL said that attempts to undermine the purpose of the three-day negotiating window may be "considered conduct detrimental to the league."

- Molly Geary