The 2024 league year for the NFL does not begin until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13. That is when free agency officially begins because it is then when expiring contracts have actually expired.
However, Monday is the beginning of what many call the “legal tampering” period of free agency. It is a two-day window in which teams may be in contact with players who will be free agents on Wednesday and can negotiate new contracts. Technically, it isn’t tampering because it is permissible contact, but it is what people call it.
What to know about 2024 NFL free agency ‘legal tampering’ period
- Players who have received a franchise or transition tag, or players who have been tendered as a restricted free agents or can be, are off limits until the league year officially begins.
- Deals can be negotiated but not finalized.
- Agreements made before Wednesday are not binding. Players can change their minds.
- Players cannot visit facilities.
- Teams can sign and contact their own free agents (they are still technically under contract)
- Players who have been released can sign at any time.
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