When does NFL 2024 free agency start?

Now that the Super Bowl LVIII is over, every team in the NFL - apart from the partying Chiefs - will likely already be focused on their offseason ambitions. From the NFL Draft which will provide them with a shot at grabbing the next best thing, to what we’re here to discuss which is the NFL Free Agency.

Indeed, the free agent market is one that always brings with it the possibility of securing not just an established player, but a star. Let’s get into the details.

NFL Free agency: how it works

One of the key things to keep in mind, when it comes to NFL Free Agency is the term “tampering.” If we go with the dictionary definition, the word in simple form means ‘to interfere with’, or otherwise cause damage to something by means of unauthorised changes.

This is particularly funny to note where free agency is concerned, because it is preceded by what the NFL refers to as a “legal tampering period.” To be clear, free agency always starts on the first day of the league’s new year.

The aforementioned tampering period is set two days before that day, which means teams have 48-hours to negotiate with players and agents, before the league year starts. It’s definitely worth noting, that teams are prohibited from agreeing to terms with a player. Indeed, the penalty for doing so can be brutal, not limited to but including heavy fines and the stripping of draft picks. The dates for this year are as follows:

What is actually allowed during “legal tampering period?”

As stated before, teams can only contact unrestricted free agents during the 48-hour window. Though agreements may be made in principle, no official announcement can be made until the period ends and free agency begins, in this case Wednesday, March 11th.

Needless to say, the way in which contracts are typically announced almost immediately on the first day of free agency, would suggest that the opposite is par for the course.

It’s interesting to note, that though players aren’t allowed to speak with teams directly until free agency starts, that rule only has significance if a player decides to represent themselves such as Ravens QB, Lamar Jackson. In contrast, players are permitted to speak with the team that they were previously signed with.

Where restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents are concerned, they’ve got to wait until Wednesday. Should a team try to contact them during the legal tampering period, that would almost certainly incur some kind of sanction from the league.

Who is in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market?

The first big move expected to be made is set to come from the Steelers, who are said to be considering reuniting Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill with their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Reports from insiders at NFL Media said “The expectation is Pittsburgh will explore adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans while Smith was the OC there.” The 35-year-old would not put a strain on the budget of the Steelers, giving his potential arrival an even stronger chance of happenning.

Another name rolling around the rumour mill is Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings, who seems to have teams such as the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars chasing after him. Hunter ended the 2023 campaign with strong numbers, putting out 16.5 sacks and 41 quarterback pressures, which have got many teams on alert as his services will be available.

Whatever happens, we are in for a few days of wild speculation and crazy, unforeseen outcomes, as we have become more than used to in the NFL. And we don’t have to wait long for all the action to restart once again for the upcoming season that promises to be filled with drama and excitement.