Help me TOTALLY understand (1 Viewer)

[eefflrat]

When does the FA period actually start? I assume that for guys currently without a squad they can sign whenever. The new year for the NFL begins March 5 correct? is that the day the RFA's and UFA's can start signing? is that the first day teams can make a trade, or can teams make trades now.

Just minor clarification. Thanks

 

[mjr]

Both the free agency and trading period for all players starts on Friday at 12:01 AM on March 5th (one minute after Midnight on Thursday night). Contracts and trades for any players can be discussed but cannot officially occur before then, regardless of whether a player is on a squad or not.

Restricted FAs can be signed up until April 15th.

Unrestricted FAs can be signed up until July 22nd or the first day of training camp, whichever is later.

If the league and the player's union don't come to an agreement prior to March 5th, then UFAs with less than 6 seasons in the league will be considered RFAs. UFAs with 6 or more seasons have until the 10th week of the season to sign.