What happens if a UFA does not sign with a new team by July 22?

When a player becomes a Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA), they have the freedom to negotiate and sign with any team in the league. However, if they do not sign with any team by the specified deadline of July 22, an important rule comes into play regarding their rights. If the player's old club had tendered a specific offer prior to the player becoming an unrestricted free agent, those rights revert back to that original team if the player has not signed with a new team by the deadline. This rule is designed to protect teams that have made an effort to retain the player and provide clarity on the situation of the player's status.

The other options do not accurately represent the rules regarding a UFA past the July 22 deadline. A player does not become a Restricted Free Agent based solely on this timeline. While it’s true that players can negotiate with teams after July 22, there are specific circumstances under which rights revert back to the former club that makes option B the most correct in this situation. Finally, being put on the inactive roster is not a standard consequence of not signing with a new team; instead, the rights management comes into play.