NFL free agency 2018: When does it start?

The 2017 NFL season is coming to a close for many teams, so when can they begin improving with free agency in 2018? We have the answer.

So your team isn’t going to the playoffs this year. That blows. Nobody likes rooting for an unsuccessful team, but there are reasons to be excited.

Unlike the NBA, the NFL is built for teams to turn around their fortunes quickly. This could happen for your team, and it begins with free agency. How long do you and your team have to wait before improving? Not long at all.

March 12, 2018 is the beginning of the tampering period, which runs for 72 hours. After that, beginning on March 14, all unrestricted free agents can begin signing with any clubs.

There are going to be some very good players hitting the market. The Miami Dolphins could be losing wide receiver Jarvis Landry to free agency, after he had another campaign of 100+ catches. Then there are the Seattle Seahawks who have some very tough decisions to make on tight end Jimmy Graham, corner Richard Sherman, defensive linemen Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Sheldon Richardson, and safety Kam Chancellor.

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Of course, there is also Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, who could become the highest-paid player in league history. Cousins has posted three excellent years for Washington and after being placed under the franchise tag each of the past two seasons, he’s going to hit the market with wide eyes.

Finally, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell could cash in something fierce. The All-Pro is scheduled to be a free agent and would likely break the record for guaranteed money paid to a back.