NFL

NFL Tampering Period 2025: How Does It Affect Free Agency?

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Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published04 Mar 2025

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Justin Fields

NFL Free Agency begins on March 12, the first day of the league year. However, teams can start negotiating deals with prospective free agents during the NFL’s legal tampering period. Learn more about the NFL’s 2025 tampering period.

What Is The NFL Tampering Period 2025?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Chris Godwin runs with the football
Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The 2025 league year and free agency begin on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

However, teams can enter negotiations with players hitting free agency starting on March 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

This period from March 10 through March 12 is known as the NFL’s legal tampering period.

In 2012, the NFL instituted legal tampering, allowing teams to start negotiations with the representatives of unrestricted free agents before free agency officially begins.

No contracts can be finalized or signed during the tampering period.

However, contracts can be agreed upon during the negotiating period. NFL reporters, such as ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, are allowed to report these deals.

Teams cannot communicate with players directly during the tampering period. Communication from teams can only be facilitated through a player’s agent.

If the team wants to speak to the player directly, they must wait until the start of the league year.

If a team contacts a player directly during the tampering period, it can lead to fines and the removal of draft picks.

Are There Exceptions To the NFL’s Tampering Period?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts after the game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Like many NFL policies, there are exceptions to the tampering period.

Teams can communicate with their own players who are about to become free agents. For example, the Minnesota Vikings can negotiate a contract extension with Sam Darnold before the quarterback officially becomes a free agent.

If a player is released, he can meet with a team and sign a new contract. There is no penalty for tampering since the player is no longer under contract with a team.

Teams can also give a player permission to meet with other teams.

Expect many deals to be reported during the league’s tampering period.