There was a time when pre-free agency tampering was a no-no. Hence, you know, the word tampering. But it was so prevalent that the NFL created a legal courtship period – known by the oxymoron “legal tampering.”
That window opens today at 11 a.m. CT, and the NFL has already sent an attendant list of do’s and don’ts to its teams on Monday.
The goal of the legal tampering period is simple, as it allows a two-day window in which teams can negotiate with certified agents of unrestricted free agents. Financial figures can be exchanged, but only through a player’s representative. Players cannot speak with another team and are prohibited from visiting a team other than their current one, meaning players who represent themselves are out of luck until free agency opens up at 3 p.m. CT on Thursday.
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Execution of contracts or documents that complete an agreement in principle or the announced agreements are prohibited. But verbal commitments are OK – but only if they are not announced by the team. This won’t stop agreements from taking place and being leaked publicly, but for what it’s worth, verbal agreements are just that – and deals cannot be signed until after 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Soon, we’ll have an idea where the big-ticket free agents will be headed and any shifts in the market.
As we discussed last night, there’s a chance the Bears could be among the league’s biggest spenders this offseason, and the rumors of deals in place could start as soon as today. If nothing else, you can expect a steady stream of Mike Glennon rumors this week.
Away we go …
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