The clock is ticking down to the 2024 NFL free agency showdown, which is starting at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13th. The doors swing wide open for teams to make the best deals for the upcoming season.
But the action starts up even earlier! From March 11 to 13, clubs can reach out and start hammering out deals with the certified agents of players who will soon become unrestricted free agents.
It’s a two-day activity where anything can happen, where dreams are made, and the next big game-changers are waiting to be snatched up.
The Categories of Free Agency
It’s that time of year when players hit the market as either “restricted free agents” or “unrestricted free agents.”
Some might even get tagged as franchise or transition players by their former clubs. So, when’s the big signing starting? Here’s the breakdown:
- Restricted Free Agents: March 13 to April 19.
- Unrestricted Free Agents with Tenders: March 13 to July 22 (or until the first NFL training camp).
- Franchise Players: March 13 until November 12 (after Week 10).
- Transition Players: March 13 to July 22.
But here’s the kicker: if deals aren’t inked by November 12, these players are sidelined for the season.
The Difference Between Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agent
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs):
- RFAs are players whose contracts have ended, but their current team can keep them by matching any offers by other teams.
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs):
- UFAs are players whose contracts are up, and they can sign with any team they want.
According to the 2024 Free Agency guide, if a player has played for three accrued seasons and gets a good offer, they become a “restricted free agent” when their contract ends on March 13.
But if a player has played for four or more accrued seasons, they’re an “unrestricted free agent” and can join any team without the old team getting any special compensation.
What is an Accrued Season?
A season in which a player hits the field for six or more regular season games, whether they’re on the active roster, inactive list, reserve/injured, or reserve/physically unable to perform lists.
2024 Free Agency Overview For Each Team
As we gear up for the new league year, dive into each franchise’s top choices for free agents.
1. Green Bay Packers
Source: Bleacher Report
Latest signings:
- RB Josh Jacobs
- S Xavier McKinney
Latest re-signings:
- CB/returner Keisean Nixon
- CB Corey Ballentine
- TE Tyler Davis
Latest departures:
- RB Aaron Jones (released, agreed to terms with Vikings),
- LT David Bakhtiari (released)
- G Jon Runyan Jr.
- S Darnell Savage
- S Jonathan Owens
2. Arizona Cardinals
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- DL Justin Jones
- LB Mack Wilson
- CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
- OT Jonah Williams
- QB Desmond Ridder
Latest re-signings:
- G Trystan Colon
- OL Keith IIshmael
Latest departures:
- LT DJ Humphries
- WR Rondale Moore
3. New York Giants
Source: Yahoo Sports
Latest signings:
- DE Brian Burns (acquired via trade from Carolina Panthers)
- RB Devin Singletary
- G Jon Runyan Jr.
- OL Jermaine Eluemunor
- QB Drew Lock
- WR Isaiah McKenzie
Latest re-signings: N/A
Latest departures:
- QB Tyrod Taylor
- RB Saquon Barkley
- S Xavier McKinney
- DL A’Shawn Robinson
4. Dallas Cowboys
Source: Sports Illustrated
Latest signings :
- LB Eric Kendricks
Latest re-signings:
- LS Trent Sieg
- NT Neville Gallimore
Latest departures:
- RB Tony Pollard
- C Tyler Biadasz
- DE Dorance Armstrong
5. Detroit Lions
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- CB Carlton Davis (acquired via trade with Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- DE Marcus Davenport
Latest re-signings:
- OL Graham Glasgow
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- CB Emmanuel Moseley
- K Michael Badgley
Latest departures:
- G Jonah Jackson
- QB Teddy Bridgewater (retirement)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson
6. Minnesota Vikings
Source: Bleacher Report
Latest signings:
- RB Aaron Jones
- QB Sam Darnold
- DE Jonathan Greenard
- LB Blake Cashman
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel
- RB Aaron Jones
- K John Parker Romo
Latest re-signings:
- TE Johnny Mundt
- OT David Quessenberry
- WR Brandon Powell
Latest departures:
- QB Kirk Cousins
- DE Marcus Davenport
- DE Danielle Hunter
- LB Jordan Hicks
7. Cleveland Browns
Source: ESPN
Latest Signings:
- WR Jerry Jeudy (acquired via trade with Denver Broncos)
- QB Jameis Winston
Latest re-signings:
- DE Za’Darius Smith
- G Michael Dunn
Latest departures:
- LB Sione Takitaki
- LB Anthony Walker
- CB Mike Ford
8. San Francisco 49ers
Source: Wikipedia
Latest signings:
- DE Leonard Floyd
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos
- DT Jordan Elliott
Latest re-signings:
- OT Colton McKivitz
- QB Brandon Allen
- S George Odum
Latest departures:
- QB Sam Darnold
- CB Isaiah Oliver
- DE Clelin Ferrell
9. Indianapolis Colts
Source: ESPN
Latest signings: QB Joe Flacco
Latest re-signings:
- WR Michael Pittman Jr.
- DE Tyquan Lewis
- LB Zaire Franklin
- DT Grover Stewart
- CB Kenny Moore II
- P Rigoberto Sanchez
Latest departures:
- QB Gardner Minshew
- RB Zack Moss
- WR Isaiah McKenzie
10. Baltimore Ravens
Source: Sports Illustrated
Latest Signings:
- RB Derrick Henry
Latest re-signings:
- DL Justin Madubuike Fike
- WR Nelson Agholor
Latest departures:
- RB Gus Edwards
- G John Simpson
- S Geno Stone
- LB Patrick Queen
- LS Tyler Ott
11. Kansas City Chiefs
Source: Yahoo Sports
Latest signings:
- P Matt Araiza
- TE Irv Smith
Latest re-signings:
- DT Chris Jones
- CB LaJarius Sneed
- LB Drue Tranquill
Latest departures:
- OL Nick Allegretti
- LB Willie Gay Jr.
12. Atlanta Falcons
Source: ESPN
Latest Signings:
- QB Kirk Cousins
- WR Darnell Mooney
- WR Rondale Moore
Latest re-signings:
- LS Liam McCullough (player announcement)
Latest departures:
- TE Jonnu Smith
- CB Jeff Okudah
- QB Desmond Ridder
13. Carolina Panthers
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- G Robert Hunt
- G Damien Lewis
- WR Diontae Johnson (traded from Steelers)
- DT A’Shawn Robinson
- LB Josey Jewell
- WR Diontae Johnson (traded from Steelers)
- CB Dane Jackson
Latest re-signings:
- CB Troy Hill
- LS J.J. Jansen
Latest departures:
- DE Brian Burns
- LB Frankie Luvu
- CB Donte Jackson (traded to Steelers)
14. Chicago Bears
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB D’Andre Swift
- OL Ryan Bates
- S Kevin Byard
- S Jonathan Owens
- TE Gerald Everett
Latest re-signings:
- CB Jaylon Johnson
- LS Patrick Scales
Latest departures:
- DL Justin Jones
- WR Darnell Mooney
15. Los Angeles Rams
Source: CBS Sports
Latest signings:
- TE Colby Parkinson
- G Jonah Jackson
- CB Darious Williams
Latest re-signings:
- WR DeMarcus Robinson
- G Kevin Dotson
Latest departures: N/A
16. New Orleans Saints
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- LB Willie Gay Jr.
Latest re-signings:
- LB Demario Davis
- S Tyrann Mathieu
Latest departures:
- CB Lonnie Johnson
- QB Jameis Winston
- DT Malcolm Roach
17. Philadelphia Eagles
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB Saquon Barkley
- DE Bryce Huff
- S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Latest re-signings:
- G Landon Dickerson
- P Braden Mann
- LS Rick Lovato
- Jake Elliott
Latest departures:
- RB D’Andre Swift
- C Jason Kelce (retired)
- DT Fletcher Cox (retired)
- S Kevin Byard
- QB Marcus Mariota
- LB Nicholas Morrow
18. Seattle Seahawks
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- DB Rayshawn Jenkins
Latest re-signings:
- TE Noah Fant
- DE Leonard Williams
Latest departures:
- TE Will Dissly
- TE Colby Parkinson
- G Damien Lewis
- LB Jordyn Brooks
- QB Drew Lock
- RB DeeJay Dallas
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: ESPN
Latest signings: N/A
Latest re-signings:
- QB Baker Mayfield
- WR Mike Evans
- S Antoine Winfield Jr.
- K Chase McLaughlin
- LB Lavonte David
- DL Greg Gaines
Latest departures:
- C Ryan Jensen (retired)
- CB Carlton Davis (traded to Detroit Lions)
- Shaq Barrett
20. Washington Commanders
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB Austin Ekeler
- C Tyler Biadasz
- DE Dorance Armstrong
- TE Zach Ertz
- OL Nick Allegretti
- LB Frankie Luvu
- K Brandon McManus
- QB Marcus Mariota
- DE Clelin Ferrell
- S Jeremy Chinn
- K Brandon McManus
- LS Tyler Ott
- LB Bobby Wagner
Latest re-signings: N/A
Latest departures:
- QB Jacoby Brissett
- RB Antonio Gibson
21. Buffalo Bills
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Mitchell Trubisky
- LB Nicholas Morrow
- WR Curtis Samuel
Latest re-signings:
- LT Dion Dawkins
- G David Edwards
- S Taylor Rapp
- DE A.J. Epenesa
- DT DaQuan Jones
Latest departures:
- WR Gabe Davis
- DE Leonard Floyd
- S Jordan Poyer
- DB Siran Neal
- WR Deonte Harty
- C Mitch Morse
- RB Nyheim Hines
- CB Cam Lewis
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Source: Sports Illustrated
Latest signings:
- S Geno Stone
- RB Zack Moss
- TE Mike Gesicki
Latest re-signings:
- WR Tee Higgins (franchise tag)
- TE Drew Sample
- G Cody Ford
Latest departures:
- RB Joe Mixon (traded to Houston Texans
- CB Chidobe Awuzie
- TE Irv Smith
23. Denver Broncos
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- S Brandon Jones
- DT Malcolm Roach
Latest re-signings:
- S P.J. Locke
- K Wil Lutz
- FB Michael Burton
Latest departures:
- S Justin Simmons
- QB Russell Wilson
- WR Jerry Jeudy
- C Lloyd Cushenberry
- LB Josey Jewell
24. Houston Texans
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB Joe Mixon (via trade with Bengals)
- DE Danielle Hunter
- DL Denico Autry
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- CB Lonnie Johnson
- CB Jeff Okudah
Latest re-signings:
- TE Dalton Schultz
- K Ka’imi Fairbairn
Latest departures:
- RB Devin Singletary
- DE Jonathan Greenard
- LB Blake Cashman
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Mac Jones (acquired via trade with Patriots)
- WR Gabe Davis
- C Mitch Morse
- S Darnell Savage
Latest re-signings:
- DE Josh Allen (franchise tag)
- G Ezra Cleveland
Latest departures:
- K Brandon McManus
- CB Darious WIlliams
- Calvin Ridley
26. Las Vegas Raiders
Source: Bleacher Report
Latest signings:
- DT Christian Wilkins
- QB Gardner Minshew
Latest re-signings:
- C Andre James
- RB Ameer Abdullah
Latest departures:
- RB Josh Jacobs
- OL Jermaine Eluemunor
- CB Amik Roberston
27. Los Angeles Chargers
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB Gus Edwards
- TE Will Dissly
Latest re-signings:
- S Alohi Gilman
Latest departures:
- RB Austin Ekeler
- LB Kenneth Murray
- TE Gerald Everett
28. Miami Dolphins
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- S Jordan Poyer
- DE Shaq Barrett
- TE Jonnu Smith
- LB Anthony Walker
- C Aaron Brewer
- LB Jordyn Brooks
Latest re-signings:
- CB NIk Needham
- OL Robert Jones
Latest departures:
- G Robert Hunt
- DT Christian Wilkins
- S Brandon Jones
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel
- LB Jerome Baker (released)
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (released)
29. New England Patriots
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Jacoby Brissett
- RB Antonio Gibson
- TE Austin Hooper
- LB Sione Takitaki
- OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Latest re-signings:
- S Kyler Dugger
- OL Mike Onwenu
- WR Kendrick Bourne
- TE Hunter Henry
- WR Jalen Reagor
- LB Anfernee Jennings
- LB Josh Uche
- OL Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
- LB Christian Elliss
Latest departures:
- QB Mac Jones (traded to Jaguars)
- TE Mike Gesicki
- LB Mack Wilson
- ST Matthew Slater (retired)
30. New York Jets
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Tyrod Taylor
- OL John Simpson
- CB Isaiah Oliver
Latest re-signings:
- K Greg Zuerlein
- P Thomas Morstead
Latest departures:
- DE Bryce Huff
31. Tennessee Titans
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB Tony Pollard
- C Lloyd Cushenberry
- LB Kenneth Murray
- CB Chidobe Awuzie
- WR Calvin Ridley
- QB Mason Rudolph
Latest re-signings:
- LS Morgan Cox
Latest departures:
- C Aaron Brewer
- DL Denico Autry
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
- RB Derrick Henry
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Russell Wilson
- LB Patrick Queen
- CB Donte Jackson (acquired via trade with Panthers)
Latest re-signings:
- DB Miles Killebrew
Latest departures:
- QB Mitchell Trubisky
- RT Chukwuma Okorafor
- WR Diontae Johnson (traded to Panthers)
What is a Franchise Player?
A franchise player has a one-year contract with a team. NFL teams can use this franchise tag once per offseason.
It allows them to strategically retain a player with a guaranteed deal and fixed salary. There are two main types of franchise players:
Exclusive Franchise Player: These types of franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams. They receive a salary based on either the average of the top five salaries at their position for the current year or 120% of their previous salary, whichever is higher.
Non-Exclusive Franchise Player: These types of franchise players can negotiate with other teams. If they agree to terms with a new team, their original team can either match the offer or decline, receiving two first-round picks as compensation.
The salary for a non-exclusive tag is determined by either the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position from the previous five years applied to the current salary cap or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is higher.
FAQs- 2024 NFL Free Agency
How many franchise and transition players can a team designate each year?
A club has the option to select either one franchise player or one transition player from its pool of potential restricted or unrestricted free agents.
Is it possible for a club to withdraw its franchise or transition designation on a player?
Yes! If a club removes its franchise or transition tag, the player automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent. If this happens after the start of the 2024 League year, the player becomes a free agent right away.
If it happens before the 2024 League year starts, the player becomes a free agent once their 2023 contract ends.
What is the salary cap set for the year 2024?
Each club has a salary cap of $255,400,000 for the year 2024.
When do teams need to follow the salary cap rules?
The 2024 League year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 13th, and teams are obligated to follow the salary cap rules from that point onwards.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL free agency period has started from Wednesday, March 13th. The teams are gearing up for action.
The excitement has begun even earlier, with negotiations allowed from March 11th to 13th. This is a crucial time for teams to make strategic moves and secure key players for the upcoming season.
Additionally, teams must ensure they comply with the salary cap rules right from the start of the league year.
