The NFL league year is about to begin in earnest with NFL free agency, which means that teams can finally begin to address their needs heading into next season. There are some huge names getting ready to hit the market this season, not to mention some key quarterback situations unfolding that could affect how free agency plays out.
If the NFL offseason has felt a bit shorter, well, it has been. The Super Bowl was played a week later than normal under the 17-game regular season, so everything is in fast forward this year. Teams have had to adjust to a new timetable for diagnosing and addressing needs. The salary cap, meanwhile, is returning back to its normal growth. It’s at $208.2 million this year, up from $182.5 million in 2021 (an anomaly due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Sporting News will be tracking the latest free agency rumors, signings and more below heading into the first stage of the NFL offseason:
MORE: NFL franchise tags, explained: Meaning, deadlines, updated position values & rules for tags in 2022
When does NFL free agency start in 2022?
- Legal tampering period: Monday, March 14 through Wednesday, March 16
- Start of 2022 NFL free agency: Wednesday, March 16, 4 p.m. ET
The start of the 2022 league year is on March 16 at 4 p.m., meaning NFL free agency starts at the same time. The institution of the NFL’s legal tampering period means you may hear some deals get dome between Monday and Wednesday, but no deals can become official until Wednesday.
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, “teams are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents.” As mentioned, those deals are essentially handshake agreements, and no ink to paper can be completed until the start of the new league year.
The window within teams can place the franchise tag on players is from Feb. 22 to March 8. After March 8, players who were tagged previously must play the 2022 season under the franchise tag (and the salary tied to that tag).
Below are the other notable happenings March 16:
- At 4 p.m. ET, all 2021 player contracts expire.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must be under the 2022 salary cap of $208.2 million (top 51 rule begins).
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must exercise options for 2022 on all players who have option clauses in their 2021 contracts.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents with expiring contracts in order to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2020 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
- The first day of the 2022 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on March 16. Teams receive a personnel notice that includes all transactions submitted to the league after 4 p.m. ET that day.
MORE: NFL free agency 2022: Ranking top 50 free agents, best players by position
Top NFL free agents available in 2022
SN’s Vinnie Iyer ranked the 50 best available free agents entering 2022. Here are the top-15 available targets prior to the start of free agency:
1. Davante Adams, WR, Packers (age: 29)
Adams is arguably still the best all-around wide receiver in the NFL and in his prime with long-time QB Aaron Rodgers. He’s likely to get the franchise tag, part as a place-holder for a long-term deal and part to placate Rodgers, who’s undecided about wanting to return to Green Bay.
2. J.C. Jackson, CB, Patriots (age: 28)
Jackson was tremendous in coverage taking over as their No. 1 corner. He had eight interceptions and led the league with 23 pass breakups. He’s iffy to come back to New England after the team parted ways with Stephon Gilmore and Jackson may need to find his big money elsewhere.
3. Terron Armstead, OT, Saints (age: 30)
Armstead battled some knee injury issues in 2021 like fellow bookend Ryan Ramczyk, but he remained smooth as ever in pass protection when out there for any of their quarterbacks. He’s meant to keep playing the left side because he’s not the same run-blocking rock.
4. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers (age: 25)
Godwin played well under the franchise tag in his second and final season with Tom Brady, who boosted his stock in making him his key short-to-intermediate go-to guy. He should recover well from his knee injury and has many strong seasons left as a versatile slot ace.
5. Von Miller, EDGE, Rams (age: 32)
Miller remained effective in producing 9.5 sacks in 15 combined regular-season games with Denver and Los Angeles. He’s slowed down a bit from his prime but can still be a valuable part of any 3-4 defensive scheme.
6. Chandler Jones, EDGE, Cardinals (age: 31)
Jones rebounded to pick up where he left off after a 2020 season lost to a biceps injury, recording 10.5 sacks in 15 games. He’s consistent in getting to the QB and like Miller, he has one more big-money run left in him.
7. Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs (age: 25)
There’s a good chance the Chiefs will lock down the rock they acquired from the Ravens last offseason soon, likely with a lucrative long-term deal (smart given his age) vs. the franchise tag.
8. Mike Williams, WR, Chargers (age: 27)
Williams shook off some past durability issues to have his best season, catching 76 of 129 targets for 1,146 and 9 TDs, proving to be a key deep threat and red zone option for Justin Herbert. Los Angeles may move on, however, with Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer having promise to complement Keenan Allen with big plays outside.
9. Jessie Bates III, S, Bengals (age: 25)
Bates was a second-team All-Pro in 2020. He wasn’t as prolific making plays all over the field in 2021, but he’s active extra defender for run support and still has strong ballhawking skills.. He can shine in any scheme.
10. Marcus Williams, S, Saints (age: 25)
Williams has been steady, durable and well-rounded for New Orleans since some struggles as a younger player. He’s always got a nose for the ball in coverage and had his best season vs. the run in 2021.
11. Ryan Jensen, C, Buccaneers (age: 30)
Jensen was a worth free-agent splurge from the Ravens and raised his game while snapping for Brady for two years, but there’s a good chance he leaves to get one last big deal, something Tampa Bay may have trouble affording.
12. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Panthers (age: 31)
Gilmore was pretty strong in coverage during his half season in Carolina after being dealt from New England. He’s not fading too much given his age but is still more of a short-term playmaker for interested teams.
13. Carton Davis, CB, Buccaneers (age: 25)
Davis missed seven games with injuries in 2021 but when on the field, he showed the shutdown promise and ball skills from his breakout 2020 season that was integral to Tampa Bay winning the Super Bowl. He’s likely to be franchise-tagged, with Godwin being signed for multiple years and Jensen walking.
14. Akiem Hicks, DT, Bears (age: 32)
Hicks’ production inside against run and pass looked similar between 2020 and 2021, putting up the same 3.5 sacks in six fewer games of healthy action. His defied his age to be a strong plug-and-play.
15. Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE, Dolphins (age: 28)
Ogbah had a few massive games in producing a second consecutive season with 9 sacks. He has enjoyed his best play in Miami, including against the run, and can remain consistent elsewhere.