NFL Free Agency Tampering Window Opens: Key Dates & Rules

0:00For the NFL, it's March 9th. Here's what's happening. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. The NFL free agency tampering window kicks off this Monday, March 9th, at noon, Eastern time. That's when teams can start talking to agents of players whose contracts are expiring. But nothing's official yet. Those deals can't be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 11th, at 4 p.m. Eastern time. During this two-day stretch, you'll hear about players agreeing to terms with new teams, but remember, it's all handshake stuff for now. Every few years, a deal falls through before it locks in, though that's pretty rare. A big change this year lets teams make one video, or phone call, directly to up to five free agents, no longer just through agents. Those chats can't go over an hour, and any staffer can join in. Fans have always been able to re-sign their own guys anytime, even before tampering starts. For the Detroit Lions, they've held off so far, but that's their style announcements

1:02often drop midweek. Release players can sign anywhere right away, skipping the wait. Restricted free agents who got Tinder's face matching rights from their old team, but so far, only Lions kicker Jake Bates has won. Everyone else hits the market Wednesday if nothing changes. This story is made possible by our sponsor. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen.