Surely, they go back further than the free-agent signing period.

The delay on the free-agent signing period has been expected by team executives and by player agents for the last two weeks.

Even after the free-agent signing period there was a chance for the Jets to upgrade at the position.

For example, there would have to be a rushed free-agent signing period if any games were to be played in December.

Today is the first day of the National Basketball Association's free-agent signing period.

It will continue to be until he has a full free-agent signing period after the season and marketing pushes season-ticket rolls beyond 2,000.

He implied that he might make a decision after this summer's activities, which include the draft and the free-agent signing period.

During the recently concluded restricted free-agent signing period, Ward did not draw a significant offer from another team.

It moves the uncapped year from 1999 to 2000 in time for the free-agent signing period, which begins Thursday.

And that could take months, lasting through the summer, through the free-agent signing period and into next season.