When does NFL free agency start in 2023? Key dates, latest news & rumors for top available players
The 2022 NFL season officially ended on February 12, 2023 when the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35 to earn the Kansas City franchise’s third Super Bowl victory.
Now NFL fans are looking forward to the next part of the league calendar: the offseason.
At this point, every team still has a shot at winning the 2024 Super Bowl. Some teams are better equipped than others to make it there as it is currently structured, but given the parity that exists across the NFL, no team can be left out.
And soon many teams could look very different than last season. Every NFL team will make at least one major acquisition through trade, free agency, or the 2023 NFL Draft, so there will be plenty of reason for optimism among the fanbase.
The first major offseason event will be free agency. Big fish — including quarterbacks Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo and Geno Smith — will be available, and teams in dire need of help can acquire them thanks to the NFL’s $224.8 million salary cap.
When is NFL Free Agency and who are the best players? Here’s what you should know about the key player acquisition phase for 2023, including the latest rumors about some potential top targets.
IYER: Top 50 Free Agents Ranking, Best Free Agents by Position in the 2023 Offseason
When will NFL free agency begin in 2023?
- Legal manipulation period: 13-15 March
- Start 2023 NFL Free Agency: 4 p.m. ET Mar. 15
The NFL’s new league year begins Wednesday, March 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET. As usual, free agency starts at the same time.
But teams “are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who become unrestricted free agents” during the two-day period before free agency, according to the NFL. The so-called “legal manipulation window” will open on Monday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Teams must decide if they want to use their franchise tag before beginning free agency. The day period runs from February 21st to March 7th at 4pm ET. A player must be previously tagged – or agree to a contract extension – to avoid becoming a free agent.
Other notable events that will take place on March 15:
- At 4:00 p.m. ET, all player contracts for 2022 expire.
- Before 4:00 p.m. ET, teams must be under the 2023 salary cap of $224.8 million (top 51 rule begins).
- Before 4:00 p.m. ET, teams must exercise 2023 options on any players who have option clauses in their 2022 contracts.
- Before 4:00 p.m. ET, teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents with expiring contracts to retain first refusal/compensation.
- Before 4:00 p.m. ET, teams must submit a minimum salary offer to retain exclusive bargaining rights for their expiring players in 2022 who have fewer than three accumulated seasons of free agency credit.
- The first day of the 2023 league year ends on March 16 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Teams will receive a staff notification containing all transactions submitted to the league after 4:00pm ET that day.
QB OPTIONS: Jets | robber | privateer | Panthers
NFL Free Agency Rumors Tracker
Cowboys want Ezekiel Elliott to take a ‘massive’ pay cut
Date: February 18
source: Matt Lombardo, Heavy.com
Elliott’s effectiveness has waned in recent seasons. He’s still a great goal defender, but he’s not as explosive as Tony Pollard, who scored in Dallas last year. The Cowboys want to keep Pollard, so it makes sense they’d want Elliott to lower his $16.7 million cap hit for next season.
Jason Kelce has yet to decide whether to play or retire in 2023
Date: 14th of February
Source: Jason Kelce
Kelce was asked by his brother Travis on their New Heights podcast if he would continue playing or pursue a career in 2023. The 35-year-old hinted that a decision would be made soon, but he wasn’t ready to make one just yet.
“Man, I can’t answer that right now. Not a chance,” said the Eagles center. “We’ll answer that soon enough, I think. I don’t know the answer to that at the moment. So I can’t answer them.
“I know this year has been a lot of fun. I had a great crew and time to do this show with my brother so we’ll see. I’ll let the batteries charge. I’m exhausted man. It’s a long season, mentally, physically and emotionally drained and I’m going to let all of that recover before we decide to do it.”
Raiders could franchise-tag Josh Jacobs
Date: February 11th
source: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Jacobs was the NFL’s leading rusher in 2022 with 1,653 yards. Fowler reports the Raiders may consider giving him the franchise tag given his success and fits in on Josh McDaniels offense.
Ravens hope to extend Lamar Jackson long-term
Date: January 19
source: Clifton Brown, Ravens.com
The Ravens reiterated two months before free agency that they want to sign Jackson for an extension.
“Our focus right now is on closing a long-term deal,” said General Manager Eric DaCosta. “It’s going to take time, it’s going to take some effort, some great communication, give and take. But I am confident that we will be on the right track to achieve this.”
The Ravens have maintained that stance since Jackson first became eligible for an extension in the 2021 offseason. It’s no surprise that their mindset remains unchanged.
MORE: When and where is the 2023 NFL Draft?
Top NFL Free Agents Available in 2023
SN’s Vinnie Iyer has picked the top 50 free agents available for the 2023 off-season. Here are the top 15 players that will be available:
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (Age: 26)
The Ravens would love to keep their MVP QB, but they have to give in to certain terms, values, and guaranteed money that Jackson’s camp should deem worth. A tag-and-trade scenario is also in play.
2. Kaleb McGary, OT, Hawks (Age: 27)
McGary had a dominant run-blocking season in his big break with Atlanta and should score a top deal should the team fail to stick to their proper tackle.
3. Daniel Jones, QB, Giants (Age: 25)
The Giants must decide how much Jones is worth (in the $30 million range or up to $40 million) after failing to exercise his fifth-year option ahead of his best NFL season. Despite limited weapons, Jones found his passing and running groove under coaching duo Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka. New York will likely lock him up for the long term, but it’s not a given.
4. Jason Kelce, C, Eagles (Age: 35)
Depending on the outcome of Super Bowl 57 against his brother Travis, there was a possibility that Kelce could retire. If he doesn’t, he can still anchor the middle of a line at a high level.
5. Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders (Age: 24)
Jacobs won the 2022 rushing title with 1,653 yards and also led the league with 393 touches and 2,053 yards from scimmage. It is a rare workhorse that still shows minor signs of wear. There’s a good chance he’ll stay in Las Vegas and continue to thrive on Josh McDaniels offense.
6. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Vikings (Age: 28)
Tomlinson is one of the most disruptive inside pass rushers in the league, and he’s solid against the run, too.
7. Jessie Bates III, S, Bengal (Age: 25)
Bates is an excellent run stopper who won’t be returning to Cincinnati after his franchise tag in 2023. He is also reliable in reporting.
8. Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks (Age: 32)
Smith was named Comeback Player of the Year to replace Russell Wilson. The Seahawks would love to bring him back on a reasonable contract, but he could also be a bridge to a rookie.
9. Javon Hargrave, DT, Eagles (Age: 29)
Hargrave’s job is to get into the field and get to the quarterback with internal pressure. He did well for three seasons in Philadelphia, as evidenced by his 11 career sacks.
10. Lavonte David, ILB, Buccaneer (Age: 33)
David is nearing the end of his career but is still a versatile playmaker. He can offer a lot of pop vs. run and pass and also offer a savvy lead.
11. Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs (Age: 26)
Brown is up and down with his game, but he still comes off as a solid left tackle ahead of Patrick Mahomes.
12. Isaac Seumalo, G, Eagles (Age: 29)
Seumalo is another strong inside part of Philadelphia’s premier offensive line. Passport protection is his greatest asset.
13. Ethan Pocic, C, Browns (Age: 27)
Pocic has been solid by any measure since coming from the Seahawks to replace JC Tretter.
14. Brandon Graham, EDGE, Eagles (Age: 34)
Graham returned from a 2021 season lost to injury to contribute some of the best games of his long career, including a career-high 11 sacks.
15. Jimmie Ward, S, 49ers (Age: 31)
Ward can be a liability in cover at times and doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, but he still plays like an active linebacker against the run.