As the NFL off-season approaches, football fans anxiously await the start of free agency. It’s a period of intense activity, with teams vying to sign the best talent and secure their positions for the upcoming season. If you’re wondering when does NFL free agency start, we’ve got you covered.
The official start of NFL free agency for the 2022 season is March 16th at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. This is when teams can begin negotiating with potential free agents, but they cannot officially sign them until the start of the new league year at 4:00 PM Eastern Time on March 18th. This year’s free agency period promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with plenty of big-name players hitting the market.
Key Dates for NFL Free Agency
Now that you know when NFL free agency starts, it’s important to mark your calendar for the key dates and times related to this exciting period. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| March 14, 4:00 p.m. ET | Deadline for teams to use franchise or transition tags on pending free agents. | |
| March 15-17 | “Legal tampering” period when teams can negotiate with agents of pending free agents. | |
| March 17, 4:00 p.m. ET | Official start of the 2022 NFL league year, free agency period begins. | |
| March 17, 4:00 p.m. ET | Deadline for teams to submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents in order to retain right of first refusal/compensation. | |
| April 29-May 1, TBD | 2022 NFL Draft takes place, providing a valuable opportunity for teams to acquire new talent. |
Note that all times and dates are subject to change and should be confirmed closer to the start of NFL free agency.
Top Free Agency Picks and Expert Analysis
As the NFL free agency period approaches, fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate which players will be on the move and where they will end up. Here, we take a look at a few of the top free agency picks and offer expert analysis on what to expect.
| Player | Position | Previous Team | Expert Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | Quarterback | Green Bay Packers | The reigning MVP has been the subject of much speculation this offseason, with rumors circulating about his dissatisfaction with the Packers. Many experts believe he could be a top free agent target if he does become available. |
| Chris Godwin | Wide Receiver | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Godwin had a standout season in 2020, helping the Bucs win the Super Bowl. He is expected to be one of the most highly sought-after free agents this offseason, with several teams looking to add his talents to their roster. |
| Shaquil Barrett | Outside Linebacker | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Barrett was a key factor in the Bucs’ impressive defense last season and is set to become a free agent this offseason. Many experts believe he could be a top target for teams in need of a pass rusher. |
While these players are just a few of the many free agents available this offseason, they represent the high level of talent and potential impact that could be added to a team through free agency. It will be interesting to see which teams make moves and which players come out on top.
Timeline of NFL Free Agency
As the start of NFL free agency draws near, fans eagerly anticipate the flurry of activity that follows. Here’s a timeline of key events and deadlines for the upcoming 2022 NFL free agency period:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 7-9 | NFL Scouting Combine |
| March 15 | Deadline for teams to use franchise or transition tags |
| March 16 | Legal tampering period begins |
| March 18 | Free agency officially begins at 4:00 PM ET |
| April 19 | Offseason workout programs can begin for teams with new head coaches |
| April 25 | Offseason workout programs can begin for all other teams |
The legal tampering period allows teams to negotiate with players who are set to become free agents. However, contracts cannot be officially signed until the start of free agency.
The deadline for teams to use franchise or transition tags is the last chance for them to keep a player off the open market. If a team uses one of these tags, they must offer the player a one-year deal worth the average of the top five salaries at their position or 120% of their previous year’s salary, whichever is greater.
Free agency officially begins at 4:00 PM ET on March 18, marking the start of the new league year. This is the time when teams can begin signing free agents and making trades.
Finally, offseason workout programs begin in April, giving teams the opportunity to start preparing for the upcoming season with their new acquisitions.
FAQ – When Does NFL Free Agency Start?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the start of NFL free agency.
When does NFL free agency start?
The official start date for NFL free agency varies every year. For the 2022 season, it will begin on March 16 at 4:00 pm ET.
What is the NFL legal tampering period?
The NFL legal tampering period is a time frame before the official start of free agency when teams can contact and negotiate with players who will become free agents. For the 2022 season, the legal tampering period will start on March 14 at noon ET.
What is the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agents?
An unrestricted free agent can sign with any team once free agency begins, while a restricted free agent can negotiate with other teams, but their original team has the right to match any offer and keep the player.
Can teams sign free agents before the start of free agency?
No, teams cannot officially sign free agents until the start of free agency, but they can negotiate with players and agree to terms before that time.
How long is the NFL free agency period?
The NFL free agency period officially begins in mid-March and lasts until the start of the regular season in September. However, most of the notable signings take place in the first few days of free agency.
