Today begins a strange thing called the NFL legal tampering period. It is when teams can contact potential free agents, but not sign them. Here are the rules and what you need to know.
There is a change this year. Before, teams technically could not even begin to make contract negotiations or offers. The league sent a memo explaining a softened stance. Reporter Albert Breer obtained a copy of the memo.
PP-28-13
TO: General Managers
Head Coaches
Player Personnel Directors
FROM: Commissioner Goodell
DATE: March 8, 2013SUBJECT: Impermissible Activity During the Three-day Negotiating Period for Unrestricted Free Agents
Clubs were advised in PP-26-13 that during the three-day negotiating period for prospective Unrestricted Free Agents, they 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 2012 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.