the rules regarding these unrestricted transfers by football players. I seem to recall that their eligibility to transfer is good until either a) the start of the 2013 season - or - b) they step on the field and play at least one down prior to the start of the 2013 season. I've tried to find some clarification, but so far have been unsuccessful.

I could definitely be wrong about that, but if true, why is it that the news media, announcers, sportswriters, etc. seem to overlook that little aspect of it? Oh, that's right, how could I forget. They're brain dead.