When Does NFL Free Agency Start? Key Dates & Rules For New Signings

The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX 40-22 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Teams are now in the offseason preparing for the NFL Combine, free agency, and the NFL Draft.

This is a busy time for organizations.

Below is information on when the NFL free agency begins, key dates, and rules for new signings.

When Does NFL Free Agency Start? Key Dates & Rules For New Signings

Teams can begin franchise-tagging unrestricted free agents on Tuesday, February 18. The deadline for clubs to franchise-tag a player is March 4 at 4 PM EST.

During the period from noon EST on March 10 to 3:59:59 PM EST on March 12, clubs are allowed to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2024 player contracts at 4 PM EST on March 12.

Three different tags can be used.

• Exlusive Franchise Tag: Players cannot negotiate with other teams. Teams must offer the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position during the current year or 120% of that player’s previous salary
• Non-exclusive Franchise Tag: Players can negotiate with other teams, but teams reserve the right to match an offer sheet. If they decide not to match an offer, the team providing the new contract must also provide two 1st round picks in return for signing the player
• Transition Tag: Transition tags are similar to non-exclusive franchise tags with two exceptions. First, the salary is determined by the average of the top-10 highest players at a position. Second, if a player receives an offer and their team doesn’t match, then they will not receive compensatory picks

During the two-day negotiating period, an unrestricted free agent who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Advisor is allowed to communicate directly with a new club’s front office official. This excludes the head coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff regarding contract negotiations.

No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4 PM EST on March 12.

The new league begins at 4 PM EST on Wednesday, March 12. Teams have to get under the salary cap by this time.

The trading period begins at 4 PM EST on March 12. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4 PM EST and 11:59:59 PM EST on March 12.

Some Big Names Possibly Becoming Free Agents

Some big names may hit the free agency market.

• 1. Tee Higgins, WR: Higgins is the class of the free agency market. The Bengals will try to bring him back but they need to pay WR Ja’Marr Chase first. A team that needs a wideout will pay big money for Higgins
• 2. Trey Smith, G: Smith had one of the lowest sack rates in 2024. He will likely be paid as the highest guard when free agency begins
• 3. Chris Godwin, WR: Godwin has been injury-prone but when healthy has proven to be a very good wideout. He will be 29 in 2025 and is very consistent when healthy
• 4. Sam Darnold, QB: Danold is only 27 years old, which may shock some people. It feels like he has been in the league forever. He is coming off his best season with the Vikings and will get paid by a team in need of a QB
• 5. Josh Sweat, DE: Sweat had a monster game in the Super Bowl, recording 2.5 sacks. This performance came at a perfect time for Sweat as he looks to get a big contract
• 6. Khalil Mack, EDGE: Mack will be 34 years old in 2025 but is still somewhat productive
• 7. Ronnie Staley, T: Staley might be a franchise tag contender. The free agent market is bleak for offensive tackles and the Ravens do not want to lose Staley. He has done an excellent job protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside
• 8. Najee Harris, RB: Harris produced over 1,000 yards and played a full 17-game season for a fourth straight season. He has been productive on an awful Steelers offense and he can help a team that needs a running back
• 9. Russell Wilson, QB: Russell Wilson looked excellent up until December rolled around. It all went downhill from there. Time will tell what a team is willing to pay for Wilson and if teams view him as a starter
• 10. Justin Fields, QB: The Steelers are reportedly interested in bringing Fields back. He was 4-2 before Tomlin decided to bench Fields for Russell Wilson. Fields is not a long-term solution but teams can bring him in to compete for a starting role
• 11. Aaron Rodgers, QB: The Jets told Rodgers he is not part of their plan for 2025. He has not been released yet but he will be. In all honestly, Rodgers should just retire. If Rodgers returns in 2025, he is just a one-year solution for a team but does not improve them like he once could
• 12. Stefon Diggs, WR: Diggs is 31 years old and is coming off a torn ACL. He is no longer a WR1 and teams will only add him to be a WR2 or WR3
• 13. Justin Reid, S: Reid is a strong leader and as consistent as they come. He is only 27 years old and rarely misses games. Any team that signs him will get better on and off the field
• 14. Aaron Jones, RB: Aaron Jones is 30 years old but is coming off another solid season. He is not in his prime but he can be a good back to have to start and see 55-60% of the snaps
• 15. Kevin Zeitler, G: Zeitler has been remarkably durable for an interior lineman, starting at least 15 games for 10 straight seasons. He is 34 years old and the Lions will need to decide if they want to bring him back for a year or let him go. Zeitler was Pro Football Focus’ third-ranked guard in 2024