Let the chase begin.
While NFL free agency does not officially open until 4 p.m. Wednesday, today marks the start of the legal tampering period in which teams can begin negotiating with players.
The Detroit Lions have 16 unrestricted free agents, including starters Haloti Ngata, Jason Jones, Tahir Whitehead and Isa Abdul-Quddus, one restricted free agent (Tim Wright), and are expected to be active in their pursuit of help at the receiver, safety and offensive line positions.
Typically, the Lions have brought in free agents for visits and physicals before finalizing contracts, but that process could change with new leadership in place at general manager (Bob Quinn) and president (Rod Wood).