While it seems like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were just crowned Super Bowl champions, the new league year is about to kick off. NFL news and moves aplenty over the next several weeks. This starts with NFL Free Agency, leading up to the NFL Draft on April 29th.
When Does 2021 NFL Free Agency Start?
The start of the new league year is when NFL Free Agency also opens. However, for 48 hours prior to the start of free agency, teams can begin to negotiate with players who will become free agents when it starts on March 17th. This is known as the legal tampering period.
March 15-17: Legal tampering period for unrestricted free agents between players’ agents and teams can take place.
March 17: 2021-22 NFL season begins and free agent deals can become official at 4 p.m. EST.
What is the Legal Tampering Period?
The legal tampering period is a two-day timeframe where agents of unrestricted free agents can begin contract discussions with teams. However, no specifics of the deal can be agreed upon or announced before the official start of free agency. All figures can be discussed, along with “all aspects of an NFL player contract.”
What Happens to Restricted Free Agents Once NFL Free Agency Begins?
Once NFL Free Agency starts on March 17th, restricted free agents may negotiate deals with other teams. Any team interested in signing a restricted free agent must extend an offer sheet ahead of the April 23rd deadline. If a team extends an offer sheet, the player’s previous team has until April 28th to match the offer.
FlurrySports is here to provide you free agency news leading all the way up to the NFL Draft. So, check back and buckle up for what could be one of the craziest couple months of NFL news we have seen in a long time!
