Negotiating period begins; no contract can be executed until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET
Free agency is almost here.
During the period beginning today at noon ET ending at 3:59:59 p.m. on March 18, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2019 player contracts at 4 p.m. March 18.
No prospective Unrestricted Free Agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4 p.m. on March 18.
NFL.com ranks the top 101 players in the 2020 free agency cycle.
101 - Jordan Reed (TE)
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
100 - David Onyemata (DT) UPDATE: The Saints have signed Onyemata to a three-year contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
99 - Mario Addison (Edge) UPDATE: The Bills have reportedly agreed to a deal with Addison, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
(AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
98 - Shaq Lawson (Edge) UPDATE: The Dolphins have signed Lawson to a contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
97 - Devin Funchess (WR)
(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
96 - Daryl Worley (CB)
(AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
95 - Clayton Geathers (S)
(AP Photo/AJ Mast)
94 - Emmanuel Ogbah (Edge) UPDATE: The Dolphins have signed Ogbah to a contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
93 - Andrus Peat (OT) UPDATE: The Saints have agreed to terms on a five-year contract with Peat, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
92 - Jalen Mills (CB) UPDATE: The Eagles have agreed to a one-year contract with Mills, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
91 - Prince Amukamara (CB)
(AP Photo/Matt Marton)
90 - Bashaud Breeland (CB)
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
89 - Michael Bennett (Edge)
(James D. Smith via AP)
88 - Randall Cobb (WR) UPDATE: The Texans have agreed to terms with Cobb, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
87 - Demarcus Robinson (WR)
(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
86 - Halapoulivaati Vaitai (OT) UPDATE: The Lions have agreed to terms with Vaitai, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
85 - Greg Zuerlein (K)
(Aaron Doster via AP)
84 - Connor McGovern (C), UPDATE: The Jets have reportedly agreed to a deal with McGovern, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
83 - Jimmy Smith (CB)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
82 - Demar Dotson (OT)
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
81 - Danny Trevathan (LB) UPDATE: The Bears have re-signed Trevathan to a three-year contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/David Banks)
80 - De'Vondre Campbell (LB) UPDATE: The Cardinals have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with Campbell, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
79 - Marcus Mariota (QB)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
78 - Breshad Perriman (WR)
(AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
77 - Adrian Phillips (S) UPDATE: The Patriots have reportedly agreed to terms with Phillips, according to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson
(AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
76 - Markus Golden (Edge)
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
75 - Vic Beasley (Edge) UPDATE: The Titans have reportedly agreed to terms with Beasley, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
74 - Derek Wolfe (DE)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
73 - Carlos Hyde (RB)
(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
72 - Ronald Darby (CB)
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
71 - Michael Pierce (DT) UPDATE: The Vikings have agreed to terms with Pierce, per the team's website
(AP Photo/John Munson)
70 - Eli Apple (CB)
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
69 - Rodney McLeod (S) UPDATE: The Eagles have agreed to a two-year contract with McLeod, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
68 - Darqueze Dennard (CB) UPDATE: The Jaguars have agreed to a deal with Dennard, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Gary Landers)
67 - Gerald McCoy UPDATE: The Cowboys have reportedly agreed to a deal with McCoy, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
66 - Nick Kwiatkoski (LB)
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
65 - Ndmukong Suh (DT)
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
64 - Blake Martinez (LB) UPDATE: The Giants have reportedly agreed to a deal with Martinez, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
63 - Teddy Bridgewater (QB) UPDATE: The Panthers have reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with Bridgewater, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
62 - Eric Ebron (TE) UPDATE: The Steelers have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Ebron, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
61 - Michael Brockers (DT) UPDATE: The Ravens have reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with Brockers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
60 - Karl Joseph (S) UPDATE: The Browns have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with Joseph, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)
59 - Jordan Phillips (DT) UPDATE: The Cardinals have agreed to a three-year deal with Phillips, per the team's website
(AP Photo/John Munson)
58 - Bradley Roby (CB) UPDATE: The Texans have re-signed Roby to a new contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
57 - Maliek Collins (DT)
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
56 - Trae Waynes (CB) UPDATE: The Bengals have reportedly agreed to a deal with Waynes, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
55 - Jason Peters (OT)
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
54 - Quinton Jefferson (DE) UPDATE: The Bills have reportedly agreed to a deal with Jefferson, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
53 - Damarious Randall
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
52 - Jamie Collins (LB) UPDATE: The Lions have agreed to a deal with Collins, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
51 - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S) UPDATE: The Cowboys have agreed to a deal with Clinton-Dix, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
50 - Kendall Fuller (CB) UPDATE: The Redskins have signed Fuller to a contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
49 - Logan Ryan (CB)
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
48 - Jarran Reed (DT) The Seahawks have re-signed Reed to a two-year contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Michael Perez)
47 - Kenyan Drake (RB) UPDATE: The Cardinals have placed the transition tag on Drake
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
46 - Andrew Whitworth (OT) UPDATE: The Rams have reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with Whitworth, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
45 - Joe Schobert (LB) UPDATE: The Jaguars have agreed to a deal with Schobert, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
44 - Kyle Van Noy (LB) UPDATE: The Dolphins have signed Van Noy to a contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
43 - Graham Glasgow (OG) UPDATE: The Broncos have reportedly agreed to a deal with Glasgow, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
42 - Jimmie Ward (S) UPDATE: The 49ers have reportedly re-signed Ward to a three-year deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
41 - Bryan Bulaga (OT) UPDATE: The Chargers have reportedly agreed to a deal with Bulaga, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
40 - Shelby Harris (DL)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
39 - Emmanuel Sanders (WR) UPDATE: The Saints have agreed to a two-year contract with Sanders, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
38 - Robert Quinn (Edge) UPDATE: The Bears have reportedly agreed to a deal with Quinn, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero
(AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
37 - James Bradberry (CB) UPDATE: The Giants have reportedly agreed to terms with Bradberry, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
36 - Everson Griffen (Edge)
(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
35 - Robby Anderson (WR)
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
34 - Melvin Gordon (RB) UPDATE: The Broncos have reportedly agreed to a deal with Gordon, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
33 - Vonn Bell (S)
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
32 - Austin Hooper (TE) UPDATE: The Browns have signed Hooper to a four-year contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
31 - Jason Pierre-Paul (Edge) UPDATE: The Buccaneers have re-signed Pierre-Paul to a multi-year contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
30 - Javon Hargrave (NT) UPDATE: The Eagles have agreed to a deal with Hargrave, according to the team's Twitter
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
29 - Devin McCourty (S) UPDATE: The Patriots have agreed to a contract extension with McCourty, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
28 - D.J. Reader (DT) UPDATE: The Bengals have reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with Reader, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
27 - Leonard Williams (DL) UPDATE: The Giants have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Williams
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
26 - Dante Fowler Jr. (Edge) UPDATE: The Falcons have reportedly agreed to a deal with Fowler, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
25 - Jameis Winston (QB)
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
24 - Chris Harris Jr. (CB) UPDATE: The Chargers have reportedly agreed to a deal with Harris, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
23 - Anthony Castonzo (OT) UPDATE: The Colts have agreed to a contract extension with Castonzo, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
22 - Philip Rivers (QB) UPDATE: The Colts have signed Rivers to a contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
21 - Jack Conklin (OT) UPDATE: The Browns have signed Conklin to a three-year deal, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
20 - Bud Dupree (Edge) UPDATE: The Steelers have placed the franchise tag on Dupree
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
19 - Hunter Henry (TE) - UPDATE: The Chargers have placed the franchise tag on Henry
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
18 - Anthony Harris (S) UPDATE: The Vikings have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Harris
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
17 - Matthew Judon (Edge) - UPDATE: The Ravens have placed the franchise tag on Judon
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
16 - Tom Brady (QB) UPDATE: The Buccaneers have signed Brady to a contract, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
15 - Cory Littleton (LB)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
14 - Drew Brees (QB)
(AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
13 - Derrick Henry (RB) UPDATE: The Titans have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Henry
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
12 - A.J. Green (WR) UPDATE: The Bengals have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Green
(AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
11 - Joe Thuney (OG) UPDATE: The Patriots have placed the franchise tag on Thuney
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
10 - Brandon Scherff (OG) - UPDATE: The Redskins have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Scherff
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
9 - Arik Armstead (DE) UPDATE: The 49ers have signed Armstead to a 5-year contract extension, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
8 - Byron Jones (CB) UPDATE: The Dolphins have signed Jones to a multi-year deal, per the team website
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
7 - Ryan Tannehill (QB) UPDATE: The Titans have agreed to a multi-year contract with Tannehill, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
6 - Justin Simmons (S) - UPDATE: The Broncos have placed the franchise tag on Simmons
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
5 - Yannick Ngakoue (Edge) - UPDATE: The Jaguars have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Ngakoue
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
4 - Shaquil Barrett (Edge) UPDATE: The Buccaneers have placed the franchise tag on Barrett
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
3 - Jadeveon Clowney (Edge)
(Michael Zarrilli/AP Images for Panini, via AP)
2 - Amari Cooper (WR) UPDATE: The Cowboys have agreed to a five-year, $100 million deal with Cooper, per the team's website
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
1 - Dak Prescott (QB) UPDATE: The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on Prescott
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Which Giants are set to become free agents?
The following players are set to become unrestricted free agents:
- DL Leonard Williams
- LB Markus Golden
- OT Mike Remmers
- S Michael Thomas
- WR Cody Latimer
- WR Russell Shepard
- LS Zak DeOssie
- CB Antonio Hamilton
- LB David Mayo (agreed to terms with Giants)
- RB Javorius Allen
- LB Deone Bucannon
- WR Corey Coleman
- WR Cody Core
Restricted free agents:
- C Jon Halapio
- K Aldrick Rosas
- RB Elijhaa Penny (re-signed with Giants)
Exclusive rights free agents:
- WR Amba Etta-Tawo
Frequently asked questions about free agency
Q. What are the categories of free agency?
A. Players are either "restricted free agents" or "unrestricted free agents." A restricted free agent may be subject to a "qualifying offer." A restricted or unrestricted free agent may be designated by his prior club as its franchise player or transition player.
Q. What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
A. In the 2020 league year, players with three accrued seasons who have received a qualifying offer become restricted free agents when their contracts expire at the conclusion of the 2019 league year. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons. Upon expiration of his 2019 contract, an unrestricted free agent is free to sign with any club with no draft-choice compensation owed to his old club.
Q. What constitutes an "accrued season"?
A. Six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserve/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists.
Q. How do the free agency rules apply to restricted free agents?
A. If a player with three accrued seasons has received a "qualifying offer" (a salary tender predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club, he can negotiate with any club. If the restricted free agent signs an offer sheet with a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because the qualifying offer entitles it to a "right of first refusal" on any offer sheet the player signs. If the old club does not match the offer, it may receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer. If an offer sheet is not executed by the deadline, the player's negotiating rights revert exclusively to his old club. In addition, prior to the start of free agency a player who would otherwise be a restricted free agent may be designated by his old club as its franchise player or transition player.
Q. What determines an unrestricted free agent?
A. A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired.
Q. What determines a franchise player?
A. The salary offer by a player's club determines what type of franchise player he is: exclusive or non-exclusive. An "exclusive" franchise player – not free to sign with another club – is offered the greater of (i) the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year as of the end of the restricted free agent signing period; or (ii) the amount of the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player, as explained below. Article 10, Section 2(a)(i) of the CBA sets forth the methodology, known as the "Cap Percentage Average," for calculating the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player:
The Nonexclusive Franchise Tender shall be a one year NFL Player Contract for (A) the average of the five largest Prior Year Salaries for players at the position . . . at which the Franchise Player participated in the most plays during the prior League Year, which average shall be calculated by: (1) summing the amounts of the Franchise Tags for players at that position for the five preceding League Years; (2) dividing the resulting amount by the sum of the Salary Caps for the five preceding League Years . . . ; and (3) multiplying the resulting percentage by the Salary Cap for the upcoming League Year . . . (the "Cap Percentage Average") . . . ; or (B) 120% of his Prior Year Salary, whichever is greater . . . .
If a club extends a required tender to a "non-exclusive" franchise player pursuant to this section, the player shall be permitted to negotiate a player contract with any club, except that draft-choice compensation of two first-round draft selections shall be made in the event he signs with a new club.
Q. How many franchise players and transition players can a team designate each season?
A. A club can designate one franchise player or one transition player among its potential restricted or unrestricted free agents.
Q. Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designation on a player?
A. Yes. A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designation, and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent, either immediately if the tender is withdrawn after the start of the 2020 league year, or when his 2019 contract expires if the tender is withdrawn before the start of the 2020 league year.
View the players set to become free agents when the new league year begins March 18.
OLB Markus Golden (UFA)
WR Cody Latimer (UFA)
LB Deone Bucannon (UFA)
CB Antonio Hamilton (UFA)
OT Mike Remmers (UFA)
S Michael Thomas (UFA)
WR Corey Coleman (UFA)
LS Zak DeOssie (UFA)
WR Russell Shepard (UFA)
RB Javorius Allen (UFA)
WR Cody Core (UFA)
C Jon Halapio (RFA)
WR Amba Etta-Tawo (ERFA)
DL Leonard Williams (UFA) - UPDATE: Giants placed exclusive-rights franchise tag on Williams
LB David Mayo (UFA) - UPDATE: Agreed to terms with Giants
K Aldrick Rosas (RFA) -- UPDATE: Giants use second-round tender on Rosas
FB Elijhaa Penny (RFA) - UPDATE: Agreed to contract terms with Giants pending physical
NFL players vote to ratify new collective bargaining agreement
With a deadline of Saturday night, the NFL players voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. Needing a simple majority, it passed by a vote of 1,019 to 959.
An independent auditor received submitted ballots through a secure electronic platform, then verified, tallied and certified the results.
The new CBA will run through the 2030 season. The 2020 salary cap has also been set $198.2 million per club.
Notable clauses:
- League option to expand regular season to 17 games (3 preseason)
- Expanded 14-team playoffs
- Increased 48-man game day roster (must have 8 OL)
- Increases minimum player salaries
- Increased benefits for active & former players
- Increased practice squads (size & eligibility)
Statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
"We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify the proposed new CBA, which will provide substantial benefits to all current and retired players, increase jobs, ensure continued progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football. We appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of the Management Council Executive Committee and the NFLPA leadership, both of whom devoted nearly a year to detailed, good faith negotiations to reach this comprehensive, transformative agreement."
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