When does NFL free agency start? Everything to know about the signing period in 2025

Posted by author March 6, 2025 NFL

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With the franchise tag deadline and the NFL combine in the rearview mirror, free agency can finally take center stage.

It’s one of the marquee dates on the offseason calendar every year, providing hope to fanbases across the league and crushing the hopes out of others.

Super Bowls are often won by the big spenders during this time of the offseason, but player movement is typically exciting. Trades and signings provide a new look to the league, keeping everything fresh heading into next season.

The unofficial offseason champions will be crowned mostly for their work during this period, as bottom dwellers look to make the leap to playoff contender and those contenders will look to make the jump to champions. The 2025 free agent class might not offer those household names that you’re rushing to sign while playing franchise mode on Madden, but there are plenty of guys capable of filling a key role.

As we await the official start to these festivities, here’s a look at when you can start seeing some NFL free-agent signings trickle in.

When does NFL free agency start?

NFL free agency officially opens on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, when the new league year begins. That is when players can sign contracts and finalize all the details.

However, free agency unofficially gets underway on Monday, March 10 at noon ET. The “legal tampering window” opens at that time, meaning teams can begin to negotiate and agree to terms during that period.

Teams can only negotiate with agents during the legal tampering window. Players are barred from visiting teams or engaging in any communication with front offices across the league until the new league year begins. Everything runs through the agents for those 52 hours.

While nothing will be set in stone until the ink dries on March 12, fans will likely start knowing the landing spots for many free agents starting on Monday afternoon.