The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been one of the NFL's most impactful organizations when it comes to proposed changes to how the league operates. The most obvious and impactful one, of course, is the Rooney Rule, named after Steelers owner Art Rooney.
This season, the team once again tried their hand at changing one of the most confusing and unnecessary rules. The legal tampering period has been around since 2012, allowing NFL teams to negotiate contracts with players' agents two days prior to free agency officially kicking off.
While the rule did allow teams to start contract discussions sooner, it was flawed due to teams being barred from having any contact with the player themselves. The Steelers proposed a change to how it works, and it should be viewed as a win for all sides.
Pittsburgh Steelers free agency rule change is a huge win for NFL players and teams
The Steelers proposed changes to the legal tampering period were simple but much-needed. They wanted teams to be able to speak to players by phone or video call during those two days, as well as plan travel for them once they can officially sign their contracts.
The #Steelers’ proposal regarding contact with free agents during the negotiating window passed with some modification on a one-year trial basis.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 1, 2025
Clubs now can have one video or phone call with no more than five prospective UFAs, and to book travel upon agreeing to terms.
While there is a limit of five players that teams can reach out to this way, it is still a huge change considering how much money teams are shelling out in free agency.
Outside free agents are some of the riskiest moves any NFL team can make, so having the ability to legally speak with the players themselves before signing them makes a ton of sense. Considering many of the deals signed during the tampering period are the biggest of free agency, it makes it even more important for teams to be able to have as much information to work with as possible.
Only time will tell how much of an impact this rule will make, but the Steelers could benefit greatly from it. With general manager Omar Khan showing more aggressiveness than any of his predecessors, free agency may become a bigger part of the Steelers' team-building strategy.