# AFL contract negotiations 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afl-contract-negotiations-2026
> Updated: 2026-07-30T03:34:42.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, Australian Football League clubs intensified player contract talks as the July trade window approached. On July 29, the Adelaide Crows made a high‑profile offer of a seven‑year, $10 million deal to Brisbane Lions forward Zac Bailey, sparking a tug‑of‑war between the two clubs and leaving the player undecided. The next day, attention broadened to several other key players: Port Adelaide’s midfielder Zak Butters attracted interest from multiple clubs, while the Crows struggled to retain defenders Jordon Butts, James Borlase and Nick Murray, each facing competing offers and varying contract lengths. These linked reports illustrate a wider pattern of aggressive recruitment and retention efforts across the league ahead of the upcoming trade period.

## Claims

- Jordon Butts is an unrestricted free agent. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- James Borla​se is an unrestricted free agent. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nick Murray is under contract with Adelaide Crows until the end of 2028. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Western Bulldogs have offered Jordon Butts a five‑year contract. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Adelaide Crows have offered Jordon Butts a four‑year contract with significantly less money than the Bulldogs’ offer. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- North Melbourne and Essendon are monitoring James Borla​se, who has a two‑year extension offer from Adelaide. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- North Melbourne have expressed interest in Nick Murray despite his existing contract. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Coaching director Murray Davis is among four candidates for Essendon’s vacant head‑coach role. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks wants to retain three key defenders Jordon Butts, James Borlase and Nick Murray. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jordon Butts is a 26‑year‑old unrestricted free agent whose contract ends at season’s end. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- James Borlase is a 24‑year‑old unrestricted free agent whose contract ends at season’s end. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nick Murray is under contract with the Adelaide Crows until the end of 2028. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: AFL clubs vie for Zak Butters and Crows' key defenders amid contract battles

Port Adelaide's Zak Butters attracts offers from four AFL clubs, while Adelaide Crows fight to retain defenders Jordon Butts, James Bor­lase and Nick Murray amid rival interest.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adelaide-crows-aim-to-retain-trio-of-key-defenders-amid-rival-offers

### 2026-07-29: Adelaide Crows offer $10 million to Brisbane Lions star Zac Bailey

Adelaide Crows have offered a seven‑year, $10 million contract to Brisbane Lions forward Zac Bailey, who remains undecided as the AFL trade period looms, with clubs also scouting 21 unsigned players.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adelaide-crows-offer-10-million-to-brisbane-lions-star-zac-bailey

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Cite as: AFL contract negotiations 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afl-contract-negotiations-2026