Current:Home > NewsNFL free agency: When does it start? What is legal tampering period?-LoTradeCoin
NFL free agency: When does it start? What is legal tampering period?
View Date:2024-12-23 20:06:09
Now that the NFL scouting combine is complete, it's time to look ahead to the next big item on the NFL schedule: free agency.
It's the time when teams looking to infuse a significant amount of veteran talent onto their rosters can do so, albeit at a premium price. It's also the time when teams looking to emerge as contenders can add a calculated piece or two, looking to get them over the hump. In any case, it's a period of frenetic activity, one of the busiest of the NFL calendar, and the one that churns rosters over.
Here's everything you need to know about NFL free agency:
When does NFL free agency start?
The free agency signing period coincides with the beginning of the new NFL league year. This year, that falls on Wednesday, March 13, after 4 p.m. ET. At that time, any player contracts that were due to expire at the end of the 2023 season will formally expire and the NFL league calendar will officially transition to 2024. This is also the time when trades can be officially consummated, even if the framework for one was arranged before the start of the new league year.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Despite the start of the new league year officially marking the free agency signing period, teams also have another tool to enter negotiations with prospective free agents, commonly known as the "legal tampering period."
What is the NFL legal tampering period?
Beginning Monday, March 11, at noon ET, teams are allowed to contact the certified agents of prospective unrestricted free agents to discuss terms and enter contract negotiations. This period runs for two days, until Wednesday, March 13 at 3:59:59 p.m, ET, the instant before the start of the new league year. Contracts cannot be officially executed until the start of the new league year.
During this period, if a prospective unrestricted free agent is not represented by an agent, he will be able to communicate directly with the front offices of interested NFL teams, but he will not be allowed to communicate with head coaches or any member of a team's coaching staff regarding contract negotiations.
When is the NFL franchise tag deadline?
All NFL teams must allocate their franchise or transition tag designations by Tuesday, March 5, before 4 p.m. ET.
Now, once the tags have been designated, teams will still have the chance to work out long-term deals with those tagged players until mid-July. Typically, the mid-July deadline has fallen on July 15, though the NFL has moved the deadline if July 15 falls on a weekend; this year, July 15 is a Monday.
A player cannot become an unrestricted free agent by refusing the terms of the tag. If the player does not sign the tender, he will be unable to join his team, but also won't be fined or penalized for absences. A player can extend his absence into the regular season, but he'd forfeit additional salary for each game missed.
Who are the top free agents available in the NFL?
Ahead of the start of free agency, USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz ranked the Top 25 available free agents. Here's an excerpt of the list:
1. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs2. Josh Allen, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars3. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals4. Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings5. Brian Burns, DE/OLB, Carolina Panthers6. Justin Madubuike, DT, Baltimore Ravens7. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears8. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers9. L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Kansas City Chiefs10. Danielle Hunter, DE, Minnesota Vikings11. Christian Wilkins, DT, Miami Dolphins12. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts13. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers14. Leonard Williams, DT, Seattle Seahawks15. Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys
Click here to view the entire list of top available free agents.
veryGood! (986)
Related
- Infowars auction could determine whether Alex Jones is kicked off its platforms
- California hiker rescued after 7 hours pinned beneath a boulder that weighed at least 6,000 pounds
- Second person of interest taken into custody in murder of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll
- Decorate Your Home with the Little Women-Inspired Christmas Decor That’s Been Taking Over TikTok
- Mike Tyson is expected to honor late daughter during Jake Paul fight. Here's how.
- Hong Kong leader praises election turnout as voter numbers hit record low
- Legislation that provides nature the same rights as humans gains traction in some countries
- 'Doctor Who' introduces first Black Doctor, wraps up 60th anniversary with perfect flair
- Texas mother sentenced to 50 years for leaving kids in dire conditions as son’s body decomposed
- Mason Disick Looks So Grown Up in Rare Family Photo
Ranking
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- Rohingya Muslims in Indonesia struggle to find shelter. President says government will help for now
- Thousands of demonstrators from Europe expected in Brussels to protest austerity measures in the EU
- Man imprisoned as teen for flower shop killing is released after judge throws out his conviction
- NFL Week 10 injury report: Live updates on active, inactive players for Sunday's games
- Putin visits a shipyard to oversee the commissioning of new Russian nuclear submarines
- Bachelor in Paradise’s Kat and John Henry Break Up
- Golden Globes announce 2024 nominations. See the full list of nominees.
Recommendation
-
‘I got my life back.’ Veterans with PTSD making progress thanks to service dog program
-
Texas woman who sued state for abortion travels out of state for procedure instead
-
Heart of Hawaii’s historic Lahaina, burned in wildfire, reopens to residents and business owners
-
3 Chilean nationals accused of burglarizing high-end Michigan homes
-
Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures
-
2 Broke Girls' Kat Dennings Marries Andrew W.K. After Almost 3 Years of Dating
-
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill suffers ankle injury, but returns vs. Tennessee Titans
-
Zac Efron Puts on the Greatest Show at Star-Studded Walk of Fame Ceremony