When a player's contract ends, he becomes a restricted free agent if he is not an entry-level player but does not satisfy the requirements for unrestricted free agency. Players that are 24 years old or older with five MLS service years who are out of contract or have had their option declined are eligible for free agency. If a player is a restricted free agent, any club can negotiate with him but cannot sign him until after the end of the season. If no agreement is reached before then, the player will become an unrestricted free agent. Restricted free agents must be offered a new contract by the end of the league year which is typically at the end of the season. If they do not receive an offer, they can join any other team as a free agent. The age limit was created so that younger players don't lose their status because of long layoffs between contracts. A player who is 23 or 24 years old and has not played another position than forward would be unlikely to get a contract if he became a free agent. The limit provides some protection for young players who might otherwise be left without a team. There is no restriction on how old a player can be when his contract expires. However, most clubs prefer to keep their players around 30 years old or younger for several reasons: more experience, better fitness, less risk of injury, etc.