NFL Free Agency 2024- Everything you need to know

While the players are recovering from a very active and intense few months on the field, the NFL teams' offices begin frenzied activity to form next season's squads, starting with free agency and the draft, which will shape the new teams between March and April.

When does NFL 2024 free agency begin?

In 2024, NFL free agency begins on Wednesday, March 13 at 16:00 ET. At that time, players can sign their new contracts. The Legal Tampering period in which teams can begin talking to players begins Monday, March 11 at noon ET.

What is the NFL 2024 Free Agency?

Free Agency is one of the most important moments of the NFL season. Once the Super Bowl has passed, many players' contracts come to an end, and free agency is the starting point for those out-of-contract players to find a new team.

Each year, the NFL sets a date after which players' contracts expire, and from that point on, out-of-contract players are free to negotiate and sign a new contract with any interested team. Obviously, players who have been traded by their teams are excluded from this market.

In addition to the date set for the start of free agency, there is what is known as the legal tampering period. During the two days prior to the date set for the start of free agency, players can talk to interested teams and reach verbal agreements, but cannot sign anything until the market opens. This results in many players committing to teams before free agency begins, but agreements cannot be made official until the date set.

Before the legal tampering period, players who finish their contracts cannot have contact with the different teams interested in signing them, facing sanctions if they break this rule.

Top 5 quarterbacks of the 2024 NFL free agency

According to sports contract site Spotrac, there will be 30 passers available in 2024 free agency, but which have the eyes of the fans on them? Who’s going to make history for their new team? Which sportsmen are likely to affect wagering odds in the months to come?

Bookmakers and audiences alike are watching this space intently, eager to see what moves will be made and who’s going to tempt who to join their ranks. Next season’s results are going to be very dependent on what happens during this period, and it’s amazing how much effect just one player can have on the odds. Some players are being watched with particular interest as the bookmakers prepare to draw up the NFL lines and start offering odds to the bettors out there. So, who’s drawing everybody’s attention?

Kirk Cousins

At 35 years old, Cousins is considered by many analysts to be the top-ranked quarterback in free agency. His powerful arm and veteran status could place him as a starter for several teams looking for a reliable passer. In 2023, his season ended much earlier than the rest of his Vikings teammates’ due to a torn Achilles tendon. He still threw for 2,331 yards on 521 plays, though. However, the high salary he received last year ($35 million) could be a hindrance for organizations looking for him.

Commanders, Raiders, Falcons, and Vikings.

Baker Mayfield

After the huge void left in Tampa Bay by Tom Brady's retirement, Mayfield had a respectable campaign with the Buccaneers. When many thought the 2017 Heisman winner's best days were behind him, Baker topped four thousand yards through the air. For the Bucs to bring him back to Tampa, they will have to invest no less than 30 million annually.

Buccaneers, Raiders, and Vikings.

Ryan Tannehill

For several seasons, Tannehill's arm was considered one of the most potent in the NFL.  However, his big struggles since 2022 are not against opposing defenses but with injuries that have prevented him from approaching the numbers he set in 2020 and 2021, where he totaled more than 3,500 yards in each campaign. Some teams might decide to gamble on his veteran status and squeeze out the remainder of his prowess, mind you, for no less than $6 million per campaign.

Possible options: Steelers, Vikings, Patriots, and Jets.

Gardner Minshew

The 27-year-old stands right on the line between being an excellent backup quarterback and a regular starting quarterback. This position is not a bad one at all. Minshew has proven to be a team guy capable of backing up the starter from the sideline and taking advantage of his opportunities on the field. Last season with the Colts, he wasn't supposed to be a starter, but an injury to rookie Anthony Richardson put him in the lead, and he managed to finish with 3,305 yards and 15 touchdown passes. He was paid $3.5 million last year, but his numbers will help him increase his value on the market.

Possible options: Colts and Raiders

Where to watch NFL: TV and how to sign up for NFL Game Pass in 2024

There have been a lot of changes both in how the game is played and how it’s enjoyed, and nowadays, fans have plenty of options available: DAZN and NFL now offer the possibility for American football fans to watch the games on streaming thanks to NFL Game Pass, which broadcasts all the games and exclusive content.

The National Football League (NFL) and DAZN Group have signed a 10-year agreement to offer NFL Game Pass International to fans. In addition, users have the option to register for free and enjoy the NFL Network channel and a selection of documentaries and historical highlights.