Which of the following players are eligible for a 6-year contract?

Designated Rookie Scale Players can sign a 6-year contract due to the special provisions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that benefit players who qualify for this designation. This applies to players who have completed three years in the league and have been extended a qualifying offer by their team. The incentive for these players is to reward developmental investment by teams and encourage them to retain these young talents.

The other categories of players do not automatically qualify for a full 6-year contract under the same guidelines. Qualifying Veteran Free Agents typically have certain caps on their contract length based on their experience. Restricted Free Agents usually negotiate contracts influenced by their initial team’s willingness to match offers, which may not lead to a 6-year deal. Mid-Level Exception Players are also limited in their contract terms based on salary cap constraints and team budgets, making a 6-year contract unlikely for them. Thus, the unique circumstances surrounding Designated Rookie Scale Players make them eligible for a full 6-year contract, distinguishing them from the other groups listed.