Free agency for the 2022 NFL season started on March 16 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
By that time, teams could sign players whose previous contract had expired.
As always, there had been a significant movement of players as teams tried to address their needs before the draft.
Some teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Chargers got an impressive haul given their cap space.
But with the 2022 draft over, another round of NFL free agency begins.
However, there’s a big difference between free agency before and after the draft.
Effective 4 PM ET, any unrestricted free agent that signs with a team no longer counts against the compensatory draft pick formula.
This includes the likes of Tyrann Mathieu, Odell Beckham, Jr., Jadeveon Clowney and Duane Brown.
Their markets could pick up as a result of it.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 2, 2022
ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted, “Effective 4 PM ET, any unrestricted free agent that signs with a team no longer counts against the compensatory draft pick formula.”
That revision will motivate more teams with cap space to get a top-tier player without giving a draft pick to their previous team.
Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that lost a marquee player.
However, the league expanded the rule to accommodate front office personnel that jumped from one team to another.
Yates pointed out some of the top free agents left.
Any of them could make an immediate impact with their new squad, except for Odell Beckham Jr. who will undergo rehabilitation for his ACL injury.
Who’s Left On The Board?
Despite initial projections that he will quickly have a new team, All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu is still without a team.
But there are talks that he will join his hometown team, the New Orleans Saints.
Meanwhile, it’s unclear if the Cleveland Browns will bring back Jadeveon Clowney.
Speaking of the Browns, wide receiver Jarvis Landry is still a free agent.
Duane Brown will also be a fantastic addition to any team’s offensive line.
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