The NFL's legal tampering period is officially open, meaning free agency is here. Legal tampering, while an oxymoron in its own right, essentially means that free agents are allowed to speak with interested teams. For players like Malik Willis, Mike Evans and Tua Tagovailoa, it is their first chance to see if the grass is greener in the open market. But, said players cannot sign on the dotted line – at least not yet. That won't come until Wednesday. The gossip can be tough to track during this period of 'legal tampering', but that's where we at FanSided have you covered. Follow along live for news and analysis as it happens.
Key Points
Bullet point summary by AI
- The NFL legal tampering period has officially begun, allowing free agents to negotiate with teams but not sign contracts until Wednesday.
- A top wide receiver signed a record-breaking deal with the Indianapolis Colts, valued at $116 million over four years.
- The Kansas City Chiefs addressed their lagging rushing attack by agreeing to terms with a highly productive running back.
Alec Pierce signs with the Colts on a record-breaking contract
Alec Pierce has signed a four-year, $116 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Pierce was among the top wide receivers on the market, with Indy in particular valuing his ability to stretch the field. Pierce was among the league leaders in yards per catch and yards per target last season, and emerged as Daniel Jones favorite deep threat.
Pierce's deal comes with $60 million guaranteed at signing, but does provide the Colts some outs in the years to come. As is that case with any NFL contract, it's best not to take it at face value.
Kenneth Walker III agrees to sign with the Chiefs
Walker is the best running back in this free-agent class, and the Chiefs needed one. It's an easy fit for Kansas City, which saw lagging production from Isiah Pacheco last season, in part thanks to injury. Neither Pacheco nor Walker III are bell-cow backs, and should be able to supplement each other in a running-back-by-committee approach.
Super Bowls are not won in free agency – the Chiefs know that better than most – but Kansas City did go a long way in addressing some major needs early in the legal tampering period. Thanks to Walker III and the pending return of Travis Kelce, Kansas City is starting to look more like the Super Bowl contender we expected them to be.