Story perspectives

NFL Free Agency Begins: Teams Eye Top Players

3/8/2026

Summary

NFL Teams Prepare

The NFL's legal tampering window opens Monday at noon ET, allowing negotiations with agents of unrestricted free agents.
Contracts cannot be signed until league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Kyler Murray (QB), Mike Evans (WR), Kenneth Walker III (RB) are expected to attract interest.
The salary cap rose to $301.2 million per team, increasing financial flexibility.
The Steelers, Jets, and Browns aim to address key roster needs.

Summary

Walker Explores Free Agency

The Seattle Seahawks did not franchise tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, allowing him to explore free agency.
Three teams—Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants—are reportedly interested in signing him.
Walker’s projected contract is about $36 million over four years, higher than his previous deal.
The Seahawks aim to keep costs around $10 million per season because rival offers could raise his price and force a replacement.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's salary cap, first introduced in 1994 at $34.6 million, has significantly evolved, reaching $182.5 million in 2021. This increase, part of the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement, allows teams like the Seattle Seahawks to pursue high-profile free agents, enhancing competitive balance. The cap's structure influences player mobility and team strategies, shaping the league's financial landscape and competitive dynamics.

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NFL Teams Prepare

The NFL's legal tampering window opens Monday at noon ET, allowing negotiations with agents of unrestricted free agents.
Contracts cannot be signed until league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Kyler Murray (QB), Mike Evans (WR), Kenneth Walker III (RB) are expected to attract interest.
The salary cap rose to $301.2 million per team, increasing financial flexibility.
The Steelers, Jets, and Browns aim to address key roster needs.

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