NFL free agency countdown: 2026 start dates, biggest names, and salary-cap movers
The NFL free agency period is coming up this Wednesday and teams are already making moves. Here are the key dates and everything you need to know.
With the 2026 NFL Draft still a month away, the spotlight now shifts to free agency, where teams can reshape their rosters and make bold offseason moves. The free agency period officially begins when the new league year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. But before that, there’s a brief tampering window that allows teams to start talking to agents.
🚨BREAKING: The Rams and star S Kam Curl have agreed to a 3-year, $36M deal with a max value of $39M to keep him in Los Angeles before free agency, per @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/KRltrnpvI5
— Zero Gravity (@zgsportsmedia) March 6, 2026
Free agency is when contenders reinforce their rosters, rebuilding squads take chances on young talent, and the biggest names in football hit the open market. Here’s what you need to know to follow the action and track the major moves in 2026.
Key NFL free agency dates
March 9-11 - Tampering period: Teams are allowed to negotiate and communicate with players’ certified agents starting at noon ET on Monday, March 9. While agreements can be discussed, no official contracts can be signed until the new league year begins.
March 11 - New league year/Free agency begins: At 4 p.m. ET, teams can officially sign free agents and submit contracts to the league. This is the start of open season, where top talent can change teams and cap space gets tested.
March 12 - Reporting of transactions: By 11:59 p.m. ET, all transactions from the first day of free agency are officially recorded and reported to the league office.
Top available free agents in 2026
The 2026 free agency class offers a mix of stars, veteran leaders, and position-specific difference-makers. Here are some of the biggest names:
- EDGE Trey Hendrickson - The Bengals pass rusher led the NFL in 2024 with 17.5 sacks and remains a top-tier defensive force.
- C Tyler Linderbaum - A market-setting center with Pro Bowl experience; likely to draw big offers from teams needing stability up the middle.
- QB Kyler Murray - Former No. 1 overall pick, coming off injury, but with proven elite playmaking ability.
- WR Alec Pierce - Steady producer in Indianapolis’ offense, could be a reliable option for teams seeking receiving depth.
- EDGE Jaelan Phillips - Young pass rusher with upside, ready to step into a prominent defensive role.
- RB Kenneth Walker III - Super Bowl MVP and dynamic back who can change games on the ground or as a receiver.
- QB Malik Willis - Unproven but high-upside quarterback option for teams willing to gamble.
- LB Devin Lloyd - Versatile linebacker who can impact multiple aspects of a defense.
- OT Rasheed Walker - Solid tackle with experience, can anchor an offensive line.
- EDGE Odafe Oweh - Athletic edge presence with room to grow.
Additional names to watch include CB Jaylen Watson, WR Mike Evans, TE Isaiah Likely, S Bryan Cook, RB Travis Etienne Jr., and WR Romeo Doubs.
Free agents with franchise or transition tags
WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys - Franchise tag value: $27.3 million. Pickens had a breakout season with 1,429 receiving yards and remains a highly sought-after target despite prior locker-room concerns.
QB Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts - Transition tag value: $37.9 million. The Colts can match offers, but Jones’ injury history and limited starts make his long-term value uncertain.
RB Breece Hall, New York Jets - Franchise tag value: $14.3 million. Hall excelled with 1,415 all-purpose yards last season and will attract attention from teams needing a dynamic offensive weapon.
TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons - Franchise tag value: $15.1 million. Despite injuries, Pitts has elite athleticism and a track record that makes him an attractive long-term target.
NFL teams with significant cap space
Cap flexibility will dictate which teams can make the biggest splashes in free agency. Here are the top 10 teams by estimated 2026 cap space:
- Los Angeles Chargers - $99.5M
- Tennessee Titans - $89.4M
- Las Vegas Raiders - $85.7M
- Washington Commanders - $83.3M
- New York Jets - $73.9M
- Seattle Seahawks - $60.7M
- Pittsburgh Steelers - $50M
- Cincinnati Bengals - $47.5M
- Arizona Cardinals - $39.8M
- New England Patriots - $35.3M
Teams with high cap space, like the Chargers and Titans, are well-positioned to chase elite free agents. Other squads with less flexibility, including the Browns, Dolphins, Saints, and Vikings, will have to be creative in structuring deals or targeting mid-tier options.
It is my firm belief that the Titans will win a title first.
— 🏈TitansFanatic🏈 (@titanfan8) March 6, 2026
Titans have their franchise QB Cam Ward as well as 100 million in cap room for free agency as well as a top draft pick.
A new coaching staff full of great coaches like HC Robert Saleh,OC Brian Daboll,etc https://t.co/CFgqGhSOJR pic.twitter.com/7zyeVC0bXq
Free agency is the NFL’s ultimate test of strategy, negotiation, and roster-building. With the tampering period coming up and the new league year just around the corner, every team will be looking to position itself for success in 2026.
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