Cap Question re: Practice Squad players

[DaBruinz]

Miguel (or anyone else):
Aren't Practice Squad contracts 1 year deals? If that is the case, wouldn't guys like PK Sam, Ray Ventrone, Eric Alexander, and Wesley Britt be free agents? Are they exclusive rights or unrestricted free agents?

Also, is Santonio Thomas an exclusive rights free agent since he was signed to a contract by the Patriots and he has less than 3 years experience. Much like Bam Childress?

 

[Miguel]

Miguel (or anyone else):
Aren't Practice Squad contracts 1 year deals? If that is the case, wouldn't guys like PK Sam, Ray Ventrone, Eric Alexander, and Wesley Britt be free agents?Also, is Santonio Thomas an exclusive rights free agent since he was signed to a contract by the Patriots and he has less than 3 years experience. Much like Bam Childress?

Practice squad players become street free agents, able to sign with any team, which is why many teams promote PS players to the 53-man roster during Week 17. Doing so makes the PS player an ERFA. Santonio Thomas and Brandon Childress are both ERFAs.