NFL Legal Tampering Window Explained
By Michael Luciano
The likes of Amari Cooper, Derrick Henry, and Tom Brady might have already agreed to a contract before free agency officially begis this offseason, and that is a direct result of their agents getting in touch with teams via the legal tampering window.
Patriots? Titans? The Field?
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 4, 2020
Odds to Sign Tom Brady ✅
-170: Patriots
+300: Chargers, Raiders
+450: Titans
+1400: Bucs
+1500: Field (Any other team)
+2000: Doesn't play
+3000: Dolphins, Broncos, Colts, Cowboys, Bears
Bet now @WilliamHillUS: https://t.co/vA4u75n3in pic.twitter.com/tsPsaTa7Ni
What Is The Legal Tampering Window?
The legal tampering window starts at noon EST on March 16th, two days before the start of free agency. This is after the March 12 deadline when players can be franchise tagged or transition tagged, a date that won't change depending on the CBA's ratification.
During this time, teams are permitted to contact the agents of players who are scheduled to become free agents when the free agency period officially begins. They can hammer out contract details in this period.
This explains why so many of the best players in free agency have already agreed to deals just before or during the start of the official free agency period.
Key dates ahead on the NFL calendar:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 5, 2020
▫️March 12th, 4 PM EST: Deadline to use the franchise or transition tag
▫️March 12th, 11:59 PM EST: Deadline for players to vote on proposed CBA
▫️March 16th, Noon EST: Legal tampering window opens
▫️March 18th, 4 PM EST: Free agency begins
Once the clock strikes 4:00 p.m. on the 18th, expect the whole dynamic and look of the league to change when the best free agents start switching teams.