The 2026 NFL unofficial free agency period is quickly approaching. At 12 PM EST on Monday, teams can begin negotiating deals with players’ agents during the league’s “legal tampering” period.
Last offseason, the NFL approved rule changes that will have a major impact on the legal tampering portion of free agency. A post-offseason report said teams can now talk directly with free agents starting Monday.
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Previously, NFL teams could only communicate with players’ agents to discuss contract offers during the legal tampering period. Teams can now recruit up to five players and chat with each player for up to an hour.
These permitted contacts introduce a new element into the legal tampering period. Teams must conduct their conversations via phone calls or Zoom meetings, with the player’s agent present.
After the initial conversation, the team may only continue discussions with the player’s agent. The next opportunity to have direct contact with a player may not occur until the NFL’s new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m.
This change allows teams to discuss topics other than financial terms. Teams like the Miami Dolphins or Arizona Cardinals can now pitch their vision directly to free agents like quarterback Malik Willis.
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In that situation, Willis could discuss topics like offensive philosophy with Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley or Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur. Front office staff can also review contract details with Willis and his representatives.
December 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur yells at quarterback Malik Willis after a fumble during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Images
The NFL sent a memo to teams on Sunday reminding them of the rules regarding player contact during legal maneuvers. The new rules may delay some players’ decisions after the period begins, but they provide a more balanced opportunity for both teams and players.
Will we soon see a story where a player chooses one team over another because of one of these requests?
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