NFL Teams Get New Rules for Free Agent Courting

Teams can now directly contact up to 5 free agents ahead of the new league year.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ahead of the start of NFL free agency, teams will now be able to directly contact up to 5 prospective free agents for a video or phone call of no more than one hour. This is a change from previous years where teams could only communicate with player agents during the legal tampering window. The new rule aims to give players more say in the process and allow teams like the Eagles to better sell their organization to potential free agents.

Why it matters

The updated rule gives NFL teams and players more direct interaction during the crucial free agency period, potentially leading to better fits and more transparent negotiations. It also helps prevent potential violations like the Eagles faced in 2024 when they were investigated for allegedly speaking directly with Saquon Barkley.

The details

Beginning in 2026, NFL teams will be allowed one video or phone call of up to one hour with up to 5 prospective unrestricted free agents during the legal tampering window. Previously, teams could only communicate with player agents during this period. The new rule gives players more say in the process and allows teams like the Eagles to better sell their organization to potential free agents.

  • The legal tampering window ahead of NFL free agency begins on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, known for his skills as a salesman of the organization.

Saquon Barkley

A former NFL running back whose free agency negotiations with the Eagles in 2024 led to an investigation into potential rule violations.

James Franklin

Saquon Barkley's former college football coach, whose comments suggested Barkley spoke directly with the Eagles during free agency negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“Clubs were reminded of the change ahead of the negotiating window opening Monday: '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.'”

— Tom Pelissero (NFL Network)

What’s next

The new rule will be in effect for the first time during the 2026 NFL free agency period, which begins on March 13.

The takeaway

The updated NFL free agency rules aim to give both teams and players more direct interaction and transparency during the crucial negotiating window, potentially leading to better fits and fewer potential rule violations like the one the Eagles faced in 2024.