First Offer Sheet Given To A Restricted Free Agent

The Eagles on Tuesday signed restricted free agent RB Mike Bell to an offer sheet. Now, that doesn't mean they immediately own his rights.

He's "restricted" because he falls under the six years of service line. SB Nation's Eagles community, Bleeding Green Nation, breaks down the situation.

Since Bell is a restricted free agent, the Saints now have seven days to match the Eagles' offer. Should they choose not to match, they would receive no compensation because Bell was tendered at the lowest level(right of first refusal). Bell earned about $540k last year, so $1.7 million would be a significant raise for a team already scheduled to pay RB Reggie Bush over $8 million next year & RB Pierre Thomas $1.6 million(they may look to sign him to an even bigger long term deal).

So basically the ball is in the Saints court now. They can match it and keep Bell or let him go.

Check out more Eagles at Bleeding Green Nation.