When Does 2024 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)
Chase Kiddy @chaseakiddy Mar 13, 2024, 5:05 PM

NFL free agency officially began at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13.

The start of NFL free agency also marks the beginning of the 2024-25 league year.

When Can NFL Free Agents Be Signed?

NFL free agents weren’t officially allowed to sign until 4 p.m. ET on March 13.

Teams were, however, permitted to contact – and begin contract negotiations with – unrestricted free agents starting on March 11. This 52-hour window is known as the legal tampering period.

Restricted Free Agents

Teams were required to submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents before the start of the new year.

If a restricted free agent didn’t receive an offer by that time, they become unrestricted free agents. Restricted free agents have until April 21 to sign the offer sheet.

What’s the 2024 NFL Salary Cap?

The 2024 NFL salary cap is $255.4 million, up from $224.8 million in 2023.

If a team is over the salary cap at 4 p.m. ET on March 13 – or at any point during the league year – they are subject to fines.

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About the Author

Chase Kiddy

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Chase Kiddy is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of The Lion's Edge, an NFL and college football podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else. He has also written for a number of print and online outlets, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post, Daily News-Record, and HERO Sports. His first novel, Cave Paintings, is in development.

Chase Kiddy is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of The Lion's Edge, an NFL and college football podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else. He has also written for a number of print and online outlets, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post, Daily News-Record, and HERO Sports. His first novel, Cave Paintings, is in development.