The 2024 NFL offseason is on track, with big names hitting the open market, trade rumors circulating and free agency around the corner. But why are some players free to sign for new teams now, while others have to wait? How can a potential exchange be negotiated without being finalized? And what’s the problem with the “tampering period”?
We’re glad you asked. Here’s everything you need to know about key free agency terms:
What is free agency?
Free agency is the period during which players whose contracts are expiring can freely negotiate and sign with other teams. This is also the time when teams can officially trade players or draft picks with other teams.
How it works?
Free agency occurs in what might be called two phases: Phase I is called the “legal tampering period.” Phase II is the official start of free agency. Confused? Don’t worry; here is how each phase works:
- Legal deadline for falsification: This is when any player whose contract is expiring is allowed to communicate and/or negotiate a contract with all 32 teams through certified representation (an agent).
- Free Agency: This is when players and teams can also officially finalize a negotiated contract.
The only exception: players are still allowed to speak and finalize their contracts with their current team. If this happens Before During legal tampering or free agency periods, other clubs are no longer allowed to make contact.
When does it start?
THE legal deadline for falsification begin March 11 has 12 p.m. ET. From that point on, any player whose contract is expiring can begin speaking with other teams through their representation. A good portion of high-profile free agents typically agree to contract terms during this time, although deals are not official – and, on rare occasions, may not come to fruition – until…
Free agency officially begins March 13 has 4 p.m. ET. This means that any contract negotiated during the legal tampering period can now be submitted to the NFL for finalization. Free agency then operates for the duration of the next NFL season, meaning any player without a contract can be contacted or signed throughout the 2024 campaign. Restrictions only go back into effect for the next offseason .
Why can some players change teams now?
Because the restrictions around free will only apply to players with expiring contracts. Technically, these players’ contracts don’t expire until free agency begins. For example, quarterback Kirk Cousins is currently one of the top scheduled free agents. But he officially remains under contract with the Minnesota Vikings until March 13 at 4 p.m. Until then, he cannot officially sign a new contract with any other team.
Players released Since existing contracts are another story. Many teams release players before free agency in order to free up salary cap space. A notable example this offseason is Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. If Simmons had been a pending free agent, he would have had to wait until March 11 to speak with other teams and March 13 to finalize a deal. Because Denver terminated his contract, which ran through 2024, he is now already free to sign with another team.
And the exchanges?
Everything works the same with trades – they can’t be finalized until free agency begins on March 13 – except for the negotiating part. There are no real restrictions on when teams can discuss or even agree to a trade. For example, the Los Angeles Rams reportedly first agreed to acquire quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions via a trade in late January 2021. The trade, however, could not be finalized until early in the year. free agency in March.