When can NFL free agents sign? NFL 'legal tampering' period, explained

The NFL offseason is about to ramp up when free agency begins, following the NFL combine and ahead of before the 2026 NFL draft (April 23-25).

Wide receiver George Pickens, running back Breece Hall, quarterback Malik Willis, center Tyler Linderaum and Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker are among the top free agents available during the 2026 offseason.

But when does free agency begin? It’s a little tricky, but let us explain.

Here’s what you need to know about NFL free agency, and the legal tampering period:

When does NFL free agency start?

NFL free agency officially begins on Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. ET – considered the start of the new league year.

Consider it a formality when it comes to NFL’s free agency period: This is when players and teams can officially sign deals they’ve agreed to beforehand.

What is the NFL’s legal tampering period?

The NFL’s legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 9 at noon ET. This is when agents can enter contract negotiations, on behalf of their clients, with prospective teams.

During March 9 and 10, some free agency deals will likely be leaked or publicized in the media.

But they cannot be signed until the new league year begins.

Are there any rules during NFL legal tampering period?

All contact must go through the player's agent, meaning NFL teams are not allowed to speak directly with players during the tampering period. If a team wants to meet with a player or speak with him directly, or if a player wishes to visit a team facility, that must wait until free agency is officially underway.

If it is discovered that a team contacted a player too early or negotiated a deal before the tampering period, the league can discipline the team with a fine or removal of draft picks.

Are there any exceptions to the NFL legal tampering period?

The tampering period is mostly for players joining new teams.

Teams are allowed to negotiate with their own free agents before the tampering window, and can even sign them to a new deal before free agency.

Released players can also meet with teams and sign a new deal since they are not under contract with their former team.

In some cases, teams can also give players permission to seek a new deal before the tampering period.

When did the NFL allow legal tampering?

The NFL implemented legal tampering period in 2012 after discovering, well, teams were indeed tampering before free agency.

However, agents and teams are often in contact throughout the offseason during events like the Senior Bowl and combine where initial conversations are typically had.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is NFL 'legal tampering' period in free agency? Here's what to know