When Does 2023 NFL Free Agency Start?

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) is introduced before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
(AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
BetMGM @BETMGM Aug 18, 2023, 2:11 PM

NFL free agency begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 15.

The start of NFL free agency also marks the start of the 2023-24 league year.

When Can NFL Free Agents Be Signed?

NFL free agents can’t be officially signed until 4 p.m. ET on March 15.

Teams, however, are permitted to contact – and begin contract negotiations with – unrestricted free agents starting on March 13.

Notable unrestricted free agents include Lamar Jackson, Javon Hargrave, and Miles Sanders.

Restricted Free Agents

Teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents before 4 p.m. ET. If a restricted free agent doesn’t receive an offer by that time, they become unrestricted free agents. Restricted free agents have until April 21 to sign the offer sheet.

Notable restricted free agents include Marquez Callaway, Tommy Townsend, and James Robinson

What’s the 2023 NFL Salary Cap?

The 2023 NFL salary cap is $224.8 million, up from $208.2 million in 2022.

If a team is over the salary cap at 4 p.m. ET on March – or at any point during the league year – they are subject to fines.

As of Friday, Feb. 10, Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson is slated to have the highest cap hit among any signed players in 2023. At nearly $55 million, he sits above Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, and every other NFL player.

Related: When Does the 2023 NFL Season Start?

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.