Story by
When does NFL free agency start in 2026 and what to watch
- Story by
- When does NFL free agency start in 2026 and what to watch
One of the most exciting times of the NFL offseason – NFL free agency – is about to begin.
Every year, the NFL delivers a blockbuster signing or two with some surprises along the way.
Think back to Tom Brady joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, Saquan Barkley joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, and Davante Adams joining the Los Angeles Rams last year.
Advertisement
NFL teams will have a chance to implore free agents with sizable contracts during the legal tampering period, then can make moves official during the start of the new league year.
Here's a little bit more on those technicalities as they relate to the NFL free agency:
When does NFL free agency start in 2026?
-
Date:March 11, 2026
-
Time:4 p.m. ET
NFL free agency officially starts at the beginning of the new league year, which is Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. ET for the upcoming season.
When is NFL's legal tampering period?
-
Date:March 9, 2026
-
Time:Noon ET
NFL teams may begin contract negotiations with pending free agents and are allowed to agree to terms on potential deals beginning Monday, March 9 at noon ET, when the NFL's legal tampering period begins.
Advertisement
Deals won't be made official until the new league year, but many are typically leaked or publicized in the media during this time.
When is NFL franchise tag deadline?
The deadline for NFL teams to use a franchise tag an impending free agent is Tuesday, March 3.
Teams could begin the process of tagging a player, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17.
The tag is a one-year deal worth either the average of the top five salaries at the player's position or 120% of his previous salary – whichever costs more.
A long-term contract can still be negotiated until Wednesday, July 15th at 4 p.m. ET. But if no long-term deal is signed, the player can only sign a one-year deal for the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does NFL free agency start? Date, time, tampering period
