When does undrafted free agency start? What to know about UDFA, how it works originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Even when Mr. Irrelevant is chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft, the day won't be over for teams across the league.

Nope, it'll just be time for undrafted free agency. The UDFAs aren't always the most known players, but they can matter.

And really, the work on them starts before the final picks of the draft are even done.

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Officially, undrafted free agency starts after the final pick of the NFL Draft is made.

In reality, it starts sooner. Teams are making calls throughout the late rounds to agents to see who might be available, and what it might take to sign them.

Reports will emerge within minutes of the final pick as players start to officially reach agreements.

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Players can't sign as UDFAs until the draft is over because the players eligible to be signed are the same guys eligible to be drafted.

An agreement could be reached verbally with a team, but if another team swoops in and uses an actual draft pick on them, it could foil that agreement,.

Some players like the idea of being an undrafted signing, because that allows them to pick their destination and potentially choose a spot where they can find playing time.

It's certainly another thing to keep an eye on when the draft ends.

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