NFL Makes 'Significant' Rules Change Before Free Agency Begins Monday

NFL free agency is set to begin on Monday. While the new league year doesn't officially start until Wednesday, March 11, teams will be allowed to have a legal tampering period with players, beginning at noon E.T. on Monday, March 8. Ahead of the start of free agency, the NFL has announced a subtle ...

by Andrew Holleran

Mar 9, 2026

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

NFL free agency is set to begin on Monday.

While the new league year doesn't officially start until Wednesday, March 11, teams will be allowed to have a legal tampering period with players, beginning at noon E.T. on Monday, March 8.

Ahead of the start of free agency, the NFL has announced a "subtle but significant" change to the free agency rules.

The rule change was made official on Sunday.

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) looks for a pass interference call during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero broke the news.

"A subtle but significant change when the NFL's free agent negotiating window opens Monday: For the first time, clubs may conduct one video or phone call (maximum 1 hour) with up to five free agents, rather than communicating strictly through their agents as in past years," he reported.

"The Steelers proposed this rule change and it was quietly approved last spring. Each call can last a maximum of 1 hour. A positive for everyone involved, including the players who will actually get to talk to coaches and others before making life-changing decisions."

NFL teams were reminded of the change on Sunday.

"A club may conduct one video or phone call for no longer than one hour with no more than five (5) prospective UFAs. The Player’s certified agent must be a participant of the call. During the one permitted video or phone call, a Represented Player or Unrepresented Player is permitted to communicate with any member of the club," the league announced.