Exactly a month after the Kansas City Chiefs hoisted up the Vince Lombardi trophy in Las Vegas, one of the busiest weeks of the NFL off-season is upon us.
The new league year begins on Wednesday and with it so does the start of free agency, but before that we have the start of the NFL’s free agent negotiating period.
Here’s a look at what that means.
What is the NFL free-agent negotiating period?
The NFL free agent negotiating period is a two-day window for NFL teams to initiate contact and begin contract negotiations with representatives of players who are due to become free agents when the new league year begins on Wednesday.
No deals can be officially confirmed during this period and players are not permitted to visit prospective new teams, but the outlines for new deals can be formulated. The two-day stretch has previously been know colloquially as the 'legal tampering period'.
When does the free-agent negotiating period begin?
The free agent negotiating period will begin at noon ET on Monday (4pm UK time). The new league year then begins on Wednesday at 4pm ET (8pm UK time).
What are the biggest potential deals to look out for?
Expect plenty of news, rumours and speculation to hit as soon as the window opens. We have already seen a flurry of last-minute deals to prevent free agents from hitting the market, notably Chris Jones at the Kansas City Chiefs and Baker Mayfield at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Russell Wilson was able to steal a march on free agency after his release in Denver, with the Pittsburgh Steelers set to confirm his signing.
That leaves Kirk Cousins as the biggest name currently set to hit the market, although the Minnesota Vikings are said to be trying to bring him back.
Top-tier defensive linemen get paid well during free agency, with Christian Wilkins and Danielle Hunter the big names there this year. Saquon Barkley headlines a bumper crop of running backs, while Calvin Ridley is one of the few number-one wide receiver options available.
Offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Mike Onwenu will also look to command big deals over the next few days.
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