NFL Free Agency Primer, what to expect

The NFL free agency period is about to begin. Here is a look at how things will break down over the next few days.

We are on the eve of the eve of free agency, as agents and teams all around the country are making sure their contact lists are updated and their cell phones are charged up. There will be shockingly big contracts given to virtually unknown or underrated players, and there will also be some big names expecting big dollars who find out there isn’t the market for their services they were hoping for.

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March Madness? Sure, there’s that college basketball thing, but it’s hard to match the insane news cycle and rapid-fire updates that happen during the first few days of the NFL free agent signing period. It’s one of the few times a year you might miss a big signing if you happen to actually try and get some sleep.

To get you ready, here’s a couple things you need to know about how it works, as the league has tweaked the rules for 2016:

FREE AGENCY OFFICIALLY STARTS WEDNESDAY, BUT IT ACTUALLY STARTS MONDAY:

Huh?!?!

“Officially,” free agents can begin signing contracts with teams Wednesday beginning at 1:00pm PST. But by then it’s very possible, and even likely, that many of the biggest names will have already been spoken for. During the “legal tampering period” player agents can talk to teams about contract details. And while they’re not permitted to sign or even announce anything until Wednesday, exact terms and contract details will emerge through the press well in advance of the official start time.

Why? Agents want other clients and potential clients to see what they’ve gotten for their players. They leak the information to the press. It’s as simple as that.

It’s also possible that some teams could be involved in leaking the information themselves. It gets the fan base excited, and sends a message to other players.

WHAT IS “LEGAL TAMPERING” AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

This period begins tomorrow (Monday) at 9:00am PST. Between that time and 1:00pm Wednesday, agents can contact any team about their players and fully negotiate contract terms.

Some free agents will still choose to wait until after Wednesday, as visits are not allowed until then. Some of the bigger names who have a robust market will choose to take a couple visits, to help narrow their choice of cities but also to create more demand in an attempt to squeeze out a few more dollars for themselves. But some of the players, perhaps even some of the higher profile ones, will make their minds up before Wednesday, without a visit.

WHICH TEAMS WILL BE MOST ACTIVE AT THE BEGINNING OF FREE AGENCY?

Look for the Jacksonville Jaguars ($80 million in cap space) and Oakland Raiders ($60 million) to try and make a big splash or two. They have money to spend, and solid young roster cores to build around. They may be willing and are certainly able to overpay in an attempt to keep some key players from taking visits, while sending a message that they’re serious players this off season.

The 49ers and Giants also have over $50 million in cap space and are starting over with new coaching staffs. This means scheme changes and PR needs. And both teams may be seen as close enough to contention to attract some of the bigger names.

WHICH PLAYERS ARE ABOUT TO CASH IN?

Not including players who have already been given the franchise tags by their teams (Von Miller, Kirk Cousins etc.) there are a few who will likely make bank by switching teams.

Malik Jackson, DE, Denver

Because Miller got the tag, it’ll be difficult for the Broncos to match what Jackson can get on the open market.

Kelechi Osemele, G, Baltimore

Dominating guard just entering his prime, who some teams may even see as a left tackle. The Ravens gave big money to their other guard Marshall Yanda last year and likely can’t afford to keep both.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Los Angeles Rams

A smaller corner, but one who’s proven to be a playmaker. Could he get close to Byron Maxwell money (6 years/$63 million)?

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE SEAHAWKS?

Typically they don’t like to jump in on the first few days. This year won’t be any different. First, they need to address which of their own free agents they want to (and are able to) keep. Russell Okung, J.R. Sweezy, Bruce Irvin, Ahtyba Rubin, and Brandon Mebane are among the Seahawks set to hit the open market. Once the team is able to figure out who’s staying and who’s not, they will certainly then execute their free agency plan. Look for them to target younger players who are ascending, not big names who want big money.

Next: Seahawks Mock Draft, pre free agency edition

So there you go. That’s about everything you need to know about what will be going down in the NFL the next few days. So get some sleep tonight, make sure you’re logged into Twitter in the morning, and keep your eye on 12thmanrising.com for rumors, analysis and reaction.

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