The NFL calendar works differently than your typical Gregorian calendar — the league’s year officially begins during the second week of March. So, when does the league’s 2015 Free Agency Period begin?
The answer is: March 10th at 4 p.m. March 10th is the key date on the NFL calendar this year, and, leading up to 4 p.m., this time period is heavily known for many roster transactions including player cuts and trades. The itinerary for NFL teams leading up to 4 p.m. includes:
– Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must exercise options for 2015 on all players who have option clauses in their 2014 contracts
– Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a – Right of First Refusal/Compensation
– Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2014 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit
– Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the 2015 salary cap prior to 4 p.m. ET
– All 2014 player contracts expire at 4 p.m. ET
– 2015 league year and free agency period begins at 4 p.m. ET
– Trading period for 2015 begins (4 p.m. ET)
After 4 p.m., free agents can officially begin to speak to other teams and negotiate new contracts as well as teams initiating trades. Here is the rest of the 2015 NFL offseason schedule.