While the dust from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory is still settling, one of the key dates of the 2024 offseason is almost upon us.
Free agency presents each NFL franchise with the opportunity to add new players to their roster during one of the most exciting and chaotic periods of the NFL calendar. Here is a look at everything you need to know ahead of this year’s fun and games.
What is free agency?
NFL free agency is the offseason period when players who have seen their contracts expire are free to sign with new teams.
When does free agency start?
Free agency will officially start at 4pm ET on Wednesday, March 13, which is when the NFL’s new league year begins. However, a so-called ‘legal tampering window’ opens two days earlier on at noon ET on Monday, March 11. During this period teams are permitted to talk to and enter negotiations with players who will be entering free agency.
Who are the biggest names set for free agency?
As ever, there will be no shortage of big names that enter free agency.
The Super Bowl champion Chiefs have two key defensive players set for free agency in defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Other defensive players that are set to be up for grabs include Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, Jaguars edge Josh Allen, Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Kirk Cousins is the highest-profile quarterback out there and there are a number of big-name wide receivers heading for free agency including Michael Puttman Jr, of the Colts, Bengals wideout Tee Higgins and Mike Evans of the Buccaneers.
It’s worth remembering that teams can still look to secure contract extensions before free agency begins, which could see some of these players re-sign with their current teams before the free agency window opens.
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