When does the NFL’s free agency tampering period begin in 2025? All you need to know

Impending free agents and teams are able and frequently agree to terms on contracts before the commencement of NFL free agency, which always comes at the start of the new league year. This is because the NFL instituted the "legal tampering" period 13 years ago, allowing teams to negotiate with players' agents ahead of the official start of free agency.

Teams can negotiate and plan during the legal tampering period, even though the agreements reached don't become official until the beginning of free agency.

Let's find out when the NFL's legal tampering window will open in 2025.

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When will the NFL legal tampering period window open in 2025?

In 2025, the de facto NFL free agency window, known as the legal tampering period, opens on Monday, allowing teams to restructure their rosters and engage in negotiations with free agents.

Tampering is no longer a concern after Monday as pending free agents formally become free agents. On March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, the new league year officially begins, marking the start of NFL free agency.

All agreements reached during the legal tampering window become legally binding, and all contracts in their last year expire when free agency begins. Officially, players who become free agents can sign new contracts with any team they want.

Top NFL free agents to watch out for in 2025

We have handpicked several free agents who could sign lucrative contracts with their current team or other teams when the free agency market begins on March 12.

1) Sam Darnold (quarterback) - Minnesota Vikings

2) Josh Sweat (edge rusher) - Philadelphia Eagles

3) Byron Murphy Jr. (cornerback) - Minnesota Vikings

4) Chris Godwin (wide receiver) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5) Zack Baun (linebacker) - Philadelphia Eagles

6) Ronnie Stanley (offensive lineman) - Baltimore Ravens

7) Jevon Holland (safety) - Miami Dolphins

8) D.J. Reed (cornerback) - New York Jets

9) Milton Williams (defensive tackle) - Philadelphia Eagles

10) Nick Bolton (linebacker) - Kansas City Chiefs

11) Justin Reid (safety) - Kansas City Chiefs

12) Osa Odighizuwa (defensive tackle) - Dallas Cowboys

13) Drew Dalman (center) - Atlanta Falcons

14) Khalil Mack (edge rusher) - Los Angeles Chargers

15) Charvarius Ward (cornerback) - San Francisco 49ers

16) Talanoa Hufanga (safety) - San Francisco 49ers

17) Dre Greenlaw (linebacker) - San Francisco 49ers

18) Cam Robinson (offensive tackle) - Minnesota Vikings

19) Carlton Davis (cornerback) - Detroit Lions

20) Jamien Sherwood (linebacker) - New York Jets

About the author

Habib Timileyin has been an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda for 2 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, and found himself drawn to the NFL about a decade ago.

Habib's favorite team is the Cincinnati Bengals and he particularly enjoyed their run to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. The 2016 Super Bowl between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots is his most favorite of all time, and if given a chance to go back in time, he would love to witness the Patroits’ incredible comeback from being 28-3 down to winning 34-28.

Habib admires Tom Brady for his journey from being in a low draft position to achieving immense success in the game. His favorite coach of all time is Bill Belichick.

Habib likes to study intricate details of a story before reporting on it, and compares information among several reputable sources to ensure accuracy. When he's not writing about the NFL, Habib is likely watching Soccer, Basketball or enjoying a good movie on sports.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez