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The 2023 NFL Free Agency extravaganza begins today

By Lou Scataglia

Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the sideline during the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the sideline during the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Monday, the legal tampering period begins at 12PM EST. This is when teams can begin talking to players before free agency starts on Wednesday.  

The legal tampering period allows teams to negotiate with other players and their agency starting at noon.  We should hear some deals agreed to in principle, but nothing can be finalized until free agency opens on Wednesday the 15th at 4PM EST.

Teams who figure to be active in free agency include the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and a handful of other teams.

Free agency generally does not put the finishing touches on a Super Bowl contender, but it does greatly help.

Take the Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, who spent a ton of money in free agency last year and hired the right coach in Doug Pederson.  They ended up going 9-8, winning the division, and winning a playoff game.

There are some big-name free agents on the market this year, but I don’t think it’s as nearly as a talented market as previous seasons.  This could drive up the price of the few big-name free agents on the market.

There should also be some trades as well.  Players like Garett Bolles, DeAndre Hopkins, Brandin Cooks, and Ryan Kelly could all be on the move too.

What has been a recent development lately are teams seemingly more willing to part with their draft capital in order to land immediate impact players.

The Miami Dolphins have spent a ton of draft capital to trade for Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and Jalen Ramsey over the last year.

We’ve also seen a ton of QB trades lately as well.

There does seem to be more urgency from teams in trying to fill their roster holes, which could be a blessing and a curse.

The Rams took this approach, won a Super Bowl, but appear to be in a bad spot after a failed 2022 season.

Let’s get ready for the 2023 free agency!

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