When Does Free Agency Start in the NFL? A Guide for 2025

Free agency is one of the most exciting and unpredictable periods in the NFL calendar. Every year, teams make strategic moves by signing new players to bolster their rosters, while players look for the best opportunities to elevate their careers. For fans, understanding when free agency starts and what it entails is key to following the offseason drama. In this article, we will dive deep into when free agency starts in the NFL, the rules surrounding it, and what you can expect from the process in 2025.

What is NFL Free Agency

NFL Free Agency refers to the period during which teams can sign players who are not currently under contract with another team. This is when many notable players hit the market, giving teams the chance to improve their rosters by acquiring talent. Free agency is also crucial for players looking for new contracts, as they can negotiate with any team in the league.

The start of NFL free agency marks the beginning of the offseason frenzy. Teams look to upgrade their rosters with free-agent signings, while players have the chance to secure lucrative contracts with new teams. The period can be hectic, with player movements, trades, and signings dominating headlines.

When Does NFL Free Agency Start in 2025

NFL Free Agency officially begins on March 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM ET. This is the moment when players who are set to become unrestricted free agents are allowed to sign with any team of their choosing. However, the process leading up to the actual start of free agency is broken down into several key dates and stages.

Key Dates Leading Up to Free Agency

The NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 25 – March 6, 2025): Though it’s not directly related to free agency, the NFL Scouting Combine is an important event leading into the free agency period. It’s where teams evaluate draft prospects and begin planning their offseason strategy.

Franchise and Transition Tag Deadline (March 4, 2025): Teams must decide whether to place the franchise tag or transition tag on key players before free agency begins. This decision helps teams retain control over their top free-agent players.

Free Agency Negotiation Window (March 13 – March 15, 2025): For the two days prior to the official start of free agency, teams are allowed to enter a “legal tampering” period. During this time, teams can negotiate terms with players, but contracts cannot be signed until the official free agency start date.

Free Agency Start (March 15, 2025): At 4:00 PM ET, free agency officially begins, and teams can start signing unrestricted free agents to contracts.

Types of NFL Free Agents

Before diving deeper into the timeline, it’s essential to understand the different types of free agents that teams can sign. The NFL classifies free agents into three primary categories: unrestricted, restricted, and exclusive rights free agents.

Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA)

These are players whose contracts have expired, and they are free to sign with any team without restrictions. Unrestricted free agents typically garner the most attention during free agency as they have the freedom to negotiate with any team in the league.

Restricted Free Agents (RFA)

Restricted free agents are players who have fewer than four years of NFL experience. Their current team can offer them a tender, giving them the right to match any offer sheet the player may sign with another team. If the team doesn’t match the offer, they may receive draft pick compensation based on the level of tender.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA)

Exclusive rights free agents are players with fewer than three years of NFL experience. These players can only negotiate with their current team, and if the team offers them a contract, they have no choice but to sign. If no contract is offered, they cannot play for any other team.

What Happens During NFL Free Agency

Once free agency begins, teams quickly start evaluating which players they want to sign. Free agents typically go through several stages during the free-agency period, including:

Negotiations and Deals

Starting at 4:00 PM ET on March 15, teams are allowed to sign unrestricted free agents. While the “legal tampering” period allows for negotiations in advance, deals are not finalized until the official start of free agency. Teams attempt to sign top-tier players, often locking up big names to long-term deals or offering hefty contracts to entice players to switch teams.

Player Visits and Workouts

Free agents are often invited to visit teams and meet with the coaching staff, medical team, and front-office executives. These visits help teams assess the player’s fitness and suitability for their roster, while players evaluate the team’s facilities, coaching staff, and contract offers.

Trades and Signings

In addition to signing free agents, teams may also make trades to acquire players from other teams. Free agency and trades often go hand-in-hand during this period as teams work to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next season.

Salary Cap Implications

Each team has a salary cap, which restricts how much they can spend on player salaries. During free agency, teams must carefully manage their budgets to make the right moves without exceeding the cap. This often leads to creative contract structures and negotiations designed to balance current and future costs.

What to Expect in 2025 Free Agency

In 2025, NFL free agency promises to be as exciting as ever. Top-tier players will be hitting the market, and teams will be looking to address their needs for the upcoming season. As in previous years, we can expect to see several blockbuster signings, trades, and surprises as teams scramble to build championship-caliber rosters.

Potential Big Names on the Market in 2025

Some of the most anticipated free agents for 2025 include players like:

Quarterbacks: Big names such as Patrick Mahomes (if ever available), Aaron Rodgers, or Lamar Jackson could dominate headlines.

Wide Receivers: Star receivers, such as Davante Adams or Tyreek Hill, may shift the balance of power across the league.

Defensive Players: High-profile defensive free agents like Aaron Donald or Jalen Ramsey could drastically change the fortunes of a team with their skillsets.

With every passing year, the landscape of free agency evolves, but one thing remains constant: it is a critical period for teams aiming to win the Super Bowl.

FAQs

What is the “Legal Tampering” Period?

The “legal tampering” period is a 2-day window leading up to the official start of free agency. While teams cannot sign players during this period, they are allowed to negotiate terms with them. Essentially, it allows teams to get a head start on contract discussions and agree on terms before free agency begins.

Why is NFL Free Agency So Important?

Free agency plays a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of the NFL. It allows teams to address specific needs by signing talented players from other teams. For players, it’s a chance to secure new contracts, whether through lucrative deals or opportunities with teams that offer better playing situations.

How Long Does NFL Free Agency Last?

NFL free agency doesn’t have a strict end date. However, the most intense period usually spans the first few weeks, starting from March 15. While many key signings happen early, free agents may continue to sign contracts throughout the offseason, especially leading up to the draft and training camp.

Can Teams Sign Players Before March 15, 2025?

No, teams cannot officially sign free agents until the legal tampering period begins on March 13, 2025, and contracts can only be finalized starting March 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.

To Conclude

NFL free agency starts on March 15, 2025, with the “legal tampering” period beginning on March 13, allowing teams to negotiate deals. Free agency is a critical part of the NFL offseason and offers fans plenty of excitement as teams sign new talent and reshuffle their rosters for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on the calendar as 2025 promises to deliver plenty of action!

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