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.
Key Points
Bullet point summary by AI
- The NFL free agency legal tampering period has officially begun, with several high-profile players exploring new opportunities.
- Multiple teams have already agreed to deals with key players, signaling early moves to strengthen their rosters.
- Contenders like the Chiefs and Dolphins are making strategic signings to address critical needs ahead of the new season.
Even if the official moves won't come until Wednesday, though, we still have plenty of agreed-upon deals and even more rumors to come throughout the start of free agency. 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.
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.
Malik Willis agrees to three-year deal with the Dolphins
Willis is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth north of $60 million. Willis, while unproven, was the top quarterback available on the free-agent market this offseason. Willis was not the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, but when he was asked to step in for Jordan Love, he showcased starter potential. That included an electric display against the Baltimore Ravens, when Willis had one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns.
In Miami, Willis will reunite with former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who is set to embark on his first year as Dolphins head coach. Hafley's raipd rise through the NFL coaching ranks is similar to Willis' career arc.
Raiders and Tyler Linderbaum agree to terms on three-year deal
The Raiders are going to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. We already know this. But, what the Raiders don't have is much surrounding Mendoza. That includes an offensive line, which ranked as one of the worst in the NFL last season. If the Raiders are going to succeed with a young QB under center in Mendoza, that's an area they have to address. Tom Brady and Co. took the first step in doing just that by signing former Ravens interior lineman Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed.
The Ravens wanted to keep Linderbaum. He is one of the best interior offensive lineman in the NFL, after all. But the Raiders went to new extremes to sign a player they believe will keep Mendoza off the ground, and be an anchor for their offensive line. Linderbaum is well worth the asking price.
Mike Evans to leave Buccaneers for the 49ers
Evans has spent over a decade in Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers couldn't afford to keep him around for another season. The Bucs receiving corps remains a deep group, as even without Evans Tampa flaunts Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Terry McMillain. Having Evans was an embarrassment of riches.
In San Francisco, Evans will join a perenially-injured contender, and one that (when healthy) is a threat to win the NFC West and Super Bowl each and every season. Much like the Buccaneers, San Francisco offers stable quarterback play in Brock Purdy.