The NFL never sleeps. Even after the final whistle of the Super Bowl fades, fans eagerly turn their eyes to the offseason, where teams scramble to reshape their rosters for the next campaign. One of the most thrilling parts of this period is free agency, a time when players switch jerseys, blockbuster deals dominate headlines, and hope springs eternal for every franchise. So, when does NFL free agency start in 2025? Let’s dive into the details, unpack the key dates, and explore what makes this annual event a game-changer for football lovers everywhere.
As of today, April 8, 2025, we’re just weeks away from the draft and months from the official kickoff of free agency. However, the groundwork for this chaotic yet exciting time begins much earlier. This article delivers the latest scoop on when free agency fires up, why it matters, and what fans can expect in the coming months. Buckle up—things are about to get wild!
What Is NFL Free Agency Anyway?
Before we pinpoint the exact start date, let’s break down what free agency actually means. Every year, NFL players whose contracts expire become free agents, meaning they can negotiate and sign with any team willing to offer them a deal. This process transforms the league’s landscape, as stars find new homes, under-the-radar talents snag big paydays, and teams plug holes in their lineups. Think of it as a massive talent swap meet, where general managers wheel and deal to build championship contenders.
Free agency splits into two main categories: restricted and unrestricted. Restricted free agents have some limitations—usually younger players with fewer years in the league—while unrestricted free agents, typically veterans with four or more accrued seasons, enjoy full freedom to sign anywhere. Teams also toss in franchise tags and transition tags to complicate things, keeping key players from hitting the open market. Confused yet? Don’t worry, we’ll unpack all of this as we go!
When Does NFL Free Agency Start in 2025?
Mark your calendars, folks—NFL free agency officially kicks off on March 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET. That’s when the new league year begins, and teams can finally ink contracts with free agents. This moment sparks a frenzy of activity across the NFL, with phones buzzing, agents negotiating, and fans refreshing their social media feeds for the latest updates. It’s the official green light for players to switch teams and for franchises to reshape their futures.
However, the action doesn’t wait until March 12 to heat up. Two days earlier, on March 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET, the league opens its “legal tampering period.” During these 52 hours, teams contact agents of unrestricted free agents and hammer out handshake agreements. While no contracts become official until the league year starts, this window sets the stage for the chaos that follows. Picture it like the pregame warm-up—everyone’s stretching, strategizing, and ready to sprint when the whistle blows.
Key Dates Leading Up to Free Agency
Free agency doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. Several critical deadlines and events pave the way, shaping how teams approach the market. Let’s walk through the timeline so you know exactly what’s coming before the big day.
Franchise Tag Window: February 18 – March 4, 2025
Starting on February 18, 2025, teams can slap franchise or transition tags on players they don’t want to lose. This window closes on March 4, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET, locking in decisions that ripple through the free agency pool. A franchise tag secures a player for a one-year, high-dollar deal, while a transition tag offers a cheaper alternative with matching rights. For example, if the Cincinnati Bengals tag wide receiver Tee Higgins again, he stays off the market, leaving other teams scrambling for alternatives.
This period forces teams to weigh their priorities. Do they lock up a star quarterback like Sam Darnold or let him test free agency? The choices here shrink the pool of available talent, making March 12 even more intense.
Combine and Pre-Tampering Buzz: Late February to Early March
While not a direct free agency event, the NFL Scouting Combine—typically held in late February or early March—adds fuel to the fire. General managers and coaches gather in Indianapolis to evaluate draft prospects, but they also chat about free agents behind closed doors. Rumors swirl, trade talks simmer, and teams start plotting their offseason moves. By early March, the buzz grows louder, and fans speculate about who’s staying and who’s going.
Salary Cap Deadline: March 12, 2025
Here’s a big one—by 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12, every team must sit under the 2025 salary cap, set at $279.2 million. Teams scramble to cut players, restructure contracts, or extend deals to free up space. For instance, if the Denver Broncos want to chase a big-name linebacker like Dre Greenlaw, they’ll need to shed some payroll first. This deadline syncs with the free agency start, ensuring everyone’s ready to spend when the clock strikes four.
Why Does the Start Date Matter?
So, why all the fuss about March 12? The start of free agency flips the NFL upside down, giving teams a fresh shot at glory. A single signing can turn a playoff hopeful into a Super Bowl favorite—or sink a franchise into mediocrity if they overpay for the wrong guy. Fans live for this drama because it’s where dreams take shape. Will the New York Jets finally land a quarterback like Justin Fields to spark their offense? Can the Seattle Seahawks replace Geno Smith with a splashy signing like Sam Darnold?
Moreover, the timing ties into the broader offseason calendar. Free agency launches just before the 2025 NFL Draft (April 24-26 in Green Bay), letting teams address immediate needs before drafting rookies. It’s a one-two punch—veteran signings fill gaps, while draft picks build for the future. Teams that nail both phases often climb the standings fast, like the Philadelphia Eagles did en route to their Super Bowl LIX win.
What to Expect When Free Agency Hits
When the clock hits 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12, expect pandemonium. Big names sign megadeals, sleeper picks snag surprising contracts, and trades shake up rosters. Based on the latest chatter as of April 8, 2025, here’s what’s brewing for the 2025 free agency period.
Quarterback Carousel Spins Again
Quarterbacks always steal the show, and 2025 promises no shortage of intrigue. Sam Darnold, fresh off a breakout year with the Minnesota Vikings, reportedly signed with the Seattle Seahawks for three years and $100.5 million. Justin Fields joined the New York Jets on a two-year, $40 million pact. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, now 41, remains unsigned after a solid 2024 with the Jets—could he land with the Pittsburgh Steelers alongside DK Metcalf? The quarterback shuffle will dictate how teams attack the rest of free agency.
Wide Receiver Market Heats Up
The receiver market looks juicy too. Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen—all over 30—hit free agency after uneven 2024 seasons. Cooper Kupp, coming off an injury-plagued year, joined the Seahawks to reunite with an old coach. Teams needing a No. 1 target, like the Houston Texans or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could pounce. However, with a deep 2025 draft class at the position, some clubs might hold off, banking on rookies instead.
Defensive Stars Cash In
Don’t sleep on the defense—pass rushers and secondary studs often rake in huge deals. Khalil Mack re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, but Joey Bosa bolted to the Buffalo Bills for a one-year, $15.6 million prove-it deal. Cornerback D.J. Reed swapped the Jets for the Detroit Lions, while linebacker Dre Greenlaw landed with the Denver Broncos. Teams chasing a Super Bowl, like the reigning champ Eagles, might splurge here to bolster their trenches.
FAQs About NFL Free Agency 2025
1. When does the legal tampering period begin, and what happens during it?
The legal tampering period starts on March 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET and runs until March 12 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Teams reach out to agents of unrestricted free agents, negotiate deals, and agree on terms. Nothing becomes official until the league year begins, but this window locks in most of the big moves you’ll see announced later.
2. What’s the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agents?
The EFL Restricted free agents have three accrued seasons and face limits—like qualifying offers or matching rights—keeping them tied to their old team until April 18, 2025. Unrestricted free agents, with four or more seasons, sign with anyone starting March 12, 2025, no strings attached. It’s freedom versus control, plain and simple.
3. How does the franchise tag affect free agency?
DJ Lagway The franchise tag, applied between February 18 and March 4, 2025, locks a player to a one-year deal at a top-tier salary, keeping them off the market. Teams use it on stars they can’t lose—like a quarterback or elite defender—but it shrinks the free agent pool, forcing others to pivot fast when March hits.
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