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When does NFL free agency start? Dates and best players available after Super Bowl

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) heads off the field after possibly his last game as a Titans player after their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) heads off the field after possibly his last game as a Titans player after their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

With Super Bowl 58 behind us, the only thing to look forward to is the 2024-25 NFL season. However, before the games, before training camp, even before the draft, there is free agency.

2024 offers a multitude of great players available for anyone willing to pay the price. In recent years, free agents have helped change teams from bubble playoff teams to contenders. Look no further than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing Tom Brady during the 2020 offseason.

Sure, a player of Brady's caliber may not be available this time around but that doesn't mean they wouldn't help. Any team could use a wide array of these players. Here is everything you need to know about 2024 NFL free agency.

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Free agency dates: When does NFL free agency start?

March 11 marks the beginning of the NFL's legal tampering period for the upcoming season. This is when teams can get into contact with agents of the available players and start contract negotiations. However, actual free agency does not start until the beginning of the official league new year on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

That is the official date and time that 2023 NFL contracts expire, and that is when free agency officially starts, which is when teams and players can officially declare new signings.

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Who are the best free agents available?

Let's go by each position, shall we. Each player listed will also be labeled with the team they were under contract with in 2023, as well as their age.

Quarterbacks:

  • Kirk Cousins, 35, MIN

  • Baker Mayfield, 28, TB

  • Ryan Tannehill, 35, TEN

  • Gardner Minshew, 27, IND

  • Jameis Winston, 30, NO

  • Jacoby Brissett, 31, WAS

Running backs:

  • Saquon Barkley, 26, NYG

  • Josh Jacobs, 25, LV

  • Derrick Henry, 30, TEN

  • Tony Pollard, 26, DAL

  • Austin Ekeler, 28, LAC

Wide Receivers:

  • Tee Higgins, 24, CIN

  • Michael Pittman Jr., 26, IND

  • Mike Evans, 30, TB

  • Marquise Brown, 26, ARI

  • Calvin Ridley, 29, JAX

  • Gabe Davis, 24, BUF

Tight Ends:

  • Dalton Schultz, 27, HOU

  • Hunter Henry, 29, NE

Offensive Linemen:

  • Tyron Smith, 33, DAL

  • Kevin Dotson, 27, LAR

  • Mike Onwenu, 26, NE

  • Trent Brown, 30, NE

  • Robert Hunt, 27, MIA

Interior Defensive Linemen:

  • Chris Jones, 29, KC

  • Justin Madubuike, 26, BAL

  • Christian Wilkins, 28, MIA

  • Leonard Williams, 29, SEA

  • D.J. Reader, 29, CIN

Edge Rushers:

  • Josh Allen, 26, JAX

  • Brian Burns, 25, CAR

  • Danielle Hunter, 29, MIN

  • Chase Young, 24, SF

  • Bryce Huff, 25, NYJ

  • Za'Darius Smith, 31, CLE

  • Jonathan Greenard, 26, HOU

  • Josh Uche, 25, NE

Middle Linebackers:

  • Devin White, 25, TB

  • Patrick Queen, 24, BAL

  • Frankie Luvu, 27, CAR

  • Lavonte David, 33, TB

Cornerbacks:

  • Jaylon Johnson, 24, CHI

  • L'Jarius Sneed, 26, KC

  • Kendall Fuller, 28, WAS

  • Sean Murphy-Bunting, 26, TEN

  • Chidobe Awuzie, 28, CIN

  • Kenny Moore II, 28, IND

  • Stephon Gilmore, 33, DAL

Safeties:

  • Antoine Winfield Jr., 25, TB

  • Kyle Dugger, 27, NE

  • Kamren Curl, 24, WAS

  • Geno Stone, 24, BAL

  • Xavier McKinney, 24, NYG

Kickers/Punters:

  • Ka'imi Fairbairn, 30, HOU

  • Wil Lutz, 29, DEN

  • Greg Zuerlein, 36, NYJ

  • Nick Folk, 39, NE

  • Greg Joseph, 29, MIN

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL free agency schedule: Dates and best players available