On your mark, get set, negotiate!
The NFL's two-day negotiating period for unrestricted free agents opens today, March 9, at 12:00 p.m. ET and stretches until the new league year opens on Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET.
During the window -- often erroneously labeled the oxymoronic "legal tampering period" -- clubs are permitted to contact and negotiate with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon expiration of their 2025 player contracts on Wednesday.
Essentially, free agency unofficially starts today, with player agents able to enter into agreements with teams. The verbal agreements, however, aren't binding until pen is put to paper. It doesn't happen often, but a player can change his mind and renege on a deal until it's signed.
One slight tweak during this year's negotiating window: NFL teams may conduct one video or phone call (maximum one hour) with up to five free agents, rather than communicating strictly through their agents as in past years, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. The agent must be on the call.
The change was quietly approved last spring after a Pittsburgh Steelers proposal, per Pelissero. Allowing a few players to at least speak with teams benefits all parties. Players can get a feel for the coaching staff they'll join, and clubs can pitch why they're the right team. The hope is that the virtual meetings could lead to better-informed decisions. Given the massive amounts of money on the table, that's what both sides should want.
It's possible the desire to hop on calls -- particularly if the highest-priced, most popular free agents take multiple -- could slow down the frenzy a smidge. Even if it does, news should start flying around midday today. Buckle up!
