AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said the AFLPA had told him there were Bombers players who wanted out of the club, which was banned from this year's finals as part of its heavy sanctions for its supplements program.
As well as a massive fine, their coach James Hird was suspended for 12 months.
"They have players who I think they've spoken to, who have indicated to them that that's what their preference is," Demetriou told ABC radio.
The AFLPA applied to the AFL Commission last week for the special consideration.
"They've written to us and asked for a determination from the Commission," said Demetriou.
"That hasn't been considered yet.
"It's impossible for me to comment because I sit on the Commission, other than I can confirm that they've written to us."
Under the proposal by the AFLPA, the status of "delisted free agent" would be open to all Essendon players.
A player would normally have to serve at least eight seasons on an AFL list before being eligible for free agency.
The players would be free to leave and avoid the draft or trade period, without any compensation for the Bombers.
The AFLPA believes the Bombers were in breach of their duty of care to players because of the 2012 supplements program.
Essendon has signed defender Cale Hooker and midfielder Jake Melksham to new deals in recent weeks.
