| − | A '''free agent''', in [[sports]], is a [[player]] who is not under contract and is free to negotiate and/or sign with any professional team. A player becomes a free agent when his contract with his current team has expired. Free agents can command large sums of money, depending on their status within the league. | + | A '''free agent''', in [[sports]], is a [[player]] who is not under contract and is free to negotiate and/or sign with any professional team. A player becomes a free agent when his contract with his current team has expired. Free agency is more inline with free-market principals, as it allows a player to negotiate salary and benefits based on individual merit. Free agents can command large sums of money, depending on their status within the league. |