The next phase of the NFL offseason is starting to unfold after the week-long Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
By 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, teams must finalize the players that will get the franchise tag for the 2022 season.
The Cleveland Browns have already filed theirs by assigning tight end David Njoku.
Meanwhile, various reports revealed that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin and Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. will get the tag as well.
However, teams can’t do anything official from now until March 16, as Pro Football Focus’ Ari Meirov pointed out.
The NFL’s "legal" tampering period begins one week from today.
Expect plenty of moves to go down before that, including tags, cuts, trade agreements and contract restructures.
All 32 teams are back from the combine. Roster building season is here. Let the madness begin.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 7, 2022
Meirov said, “The NFL’s “legal” tampering period begins one week from today. Expect plenty of moves to go down before that, including tags, cuts, trade agreements, and contract restructures. All 32 teams are back from the Combine. Roster building season is here. Let the madness begin.”
Nothing can be made official until 4 p.m. ET on March 16 when the 2022 league year will officially start.
However, teams can start contract negotiations two days before.
Important Dates To Start The 2022 League Year
From noon on March 14 until just before 4 p.m. ET on March 16, clubs can contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents when the new year begins.
During those two days, a free agent that is not working with a certified contract advisor by the NFL Players Association may talk with a team’s front office executives regarding contract negotiations.
Head coaches and any member of the coaching staff cannot join the said talks.
Then, once the clock strikes 4 p.m. ET on March 16, free agency and the trading period will officially begin.
NEXT: NFL World Reacts To The David Njoku News