The NFL, as per usual, decided to be a buzzkill this week by issuing a new policy that prohibits teams from announcing that they have agreed to contract terms with a free agent until the contract has been executed and the player has passed a physical. A few teams decided to get creative and found ways around the rules to announce signings via Twitter on Wednesday, the first day of the 2020 league year.
The Bears were first, announcing there were "reports" that they were trading for Nick Foles, all but confirming the news without actually saying it themselves.
Per @NFLNetwork reports, we have traded for QB @NickFoles.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 18, 2020
(NFL policy currently prohibits teams from making any official announcements.)@SNICKERS | #DaBears
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The Cardinals were next, citing "multiple reports" regarding the acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins. And they decided to have extra fun with it.
As you may know, NFL policy currently prohibits teams from making any official announcements.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 18, 2020
It does allow us to pass along media reports.
And according to multiple reports, we have acquired WR DeAndre Hopkins via trade with the Houston Texans. pic.twitter.com/vSHzrFmGFH
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 18, 2020
There are also rumblings (potentially) from multiple reports that we have agreed to terms with LB Devon Kennard.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 18, 2020
However, we cannot confirm or deny these reports. pic.twitter.com/nRPcCM0bjM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 18, 2020
The Redskins were quick to catch on, announcing reports of a couple of new signings.
This is something new. So, stay with us.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) March 18, 2020
NFL policy currently prohibits teams from making any official announcements. What we will do is tweet about the reports floating around 💯
REPORTS: We have agreed to terms with CB Kendall Fuller 😏 pic.twitter.com/Cca88ZRkO7
HOLD ON WE ARE HEARING MORE REPORTS
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) March 18, 2020
Apparently, we have also agreed to terms with Thomas Davis 💯 pic.twitter.com/byS7qkPUU1
The Eagles also joined in on the fun.
Reports: #Eagles have agreed to terms with DT Javon Hargrave. pic.twitter.com/vUvVlenFtd
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 18, 2020
The Vikings had fun with it, citing their signing of Michael Pierce from Michael Pierce.
NFL policy currently prohibits teams from making official announcements regarding roster moves.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 19, 2020
Per reports, the #Vikings have agreed to terms with DT Michael Pierce (@mikepierce_97).
📰: https://t.co/QMNZVBKWlz pic.twitter.com/H9esxqqrQ0
And by reports, we mean from #THEJUGGERNAUT himself.https://t.co/oqq5w2zLut
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 19, 2020
And the Rams... Well, now they're just trolling.
According to our #sources and multiple #media #reports... pic.twitter.com/Zx1MsVJyGn
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 19, 2020
NFL reporters might appreciate these efforts from teams, as it directly confirms their reporting. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport gave the Redskins a shoutout.
I’m enjoying this social media trend. https://t.co/Fqe5DTBOcW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020