On your target, adjust, negotiate!
The NFL’s two-day signing period for unrestricted free agents opens today, March 9, at 12:00 PM ET and runs until the new league year opens on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 PM ET.
During the window — often mislabeled the “legal period” — clubs are allowed to contact and negotiate with the legal agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents when their 2025 contracts expire on Wednesday.
Essentially, free agency begins unofficially today, with players’ agents able to make deals with teams. However, verbal agreements are not binding until pen is on paper. It doesn’t happen often, but a player can change his mind and reject a contract until it’s signed.
One slight change to this year’s negotiating window: NFL teams may have one video or phone call (maximum 1 hour) with up to five free agents, rather than communicating through their agents as in past years, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said. Agent must be on duty.
The change was quietly approved last spring at the suggestion of the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Pellisero. It benefits all parties to allow some players to at least speak to a team. Players can get a feel for the coaching staff they will be joining and clubs can tell why they are the right team. The hope is that virtual meetings could lead to more informed decisions. Given the large sums of money on the table, both sides should want it.
It’s possible that the urge to call—especially if the most expensive, popular free agents take many—could slow the frenzy a bit. Even if it does, news should start flying around midday today. Buckle up!