I. Introduction
The NFL is a league in constant motion, with players switching teams every year. One of the most significant ways this happens is through free agency, which allows players to test the open market and sign with new teams. Free agency is an exciting time for fans, as they eagerly wait to see who their team will sign to help them improve. In this article, we will explore the start of free agency in the NFL 2023 season, players scheduled to become free agents, top free agent signings of the past decade, teams likely to be major spenders, history of free agency in the NFL, predicting free agent targets for every NFL team, and the impact of the new CBA on free agency.
II. When Does Free Agency Start in the NFL?
Typically, free agency in the NFL begins on the second Wednesday in March. This is the start of the league year, when the new salary cap is officially set. However, there are many important dates leading up to and following this day that fans should be aware of.
For the 2023 season, the NFL has not yet released an official start date for free agency. However, based on previous years, we can make an educated guess that free agency will start on March 8th, 2023. This date will mark the beginning of the three-day legal tampering period, during which teams can begin negotiating with free agents. Finally, on March 15th, 2023, free agents are officially able to sign with new teams.
III. Players Scheduled to Become Free Agents in 2023
Some of the biggest names whose contracts will expire in 2023 include quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, wide receivers Michael Thomas and DeAndre Hopkins, and running back Ezekiel Elliott. These players are some of the best and most recognizable in the NFL and will certainly garner plenty of attention when they become free agents.
For their respective teams, losing a player like Rodgers or Hopkins would be a significant loss. However, for teams looking to make a big splash and improve their roster, signing one of these players could be the move they need to make a run at the Super Bowl.
IV. Top 5 Free Agent Signings of the Past Decade
In recent years, some of the biggest free agent signings have included Peyton Manning to the Denver Broncos in 2012, Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins in 2015, and Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. These signings have had varying levels of success, but all have made an impact on the league.
Looking ahead to the 2023 offseason, players like Rodgers and Wilson could be the next big signings that shape the league for years to come. It will be interesting to see where they end up and how they perform with a new team.
V. Teams Likely to Be Major Spenders in 2023
Every year, there are teams that have the most cap space and are therefore able to be the biggest spenders in free agency. In 2023, some of the teams expected to have the most money to spend include the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles.
These teams have struggled in recent years and will be looking to turn things around with some big signings. However, it’s important to note that throwing money at free agents doesn’t always equate to success. It will be interesting to see which teams make a splash and which ones strike out.
VI. The History of Free Agency in the NFL
Free agency in the NFL has not always been as it is today. Prior to the 1993 season, players were essentially owned by their teams, with little say in their future. However, this all changed with the implementation of true free agency.
Since then, the landscape of the NFL has changed dramatically, with players switching teams frequently and more power in the hands of the players. Today, players have more control over their future than ever before, and free agency is one of the most exciting times of the year for fans.
VII. Predicting Free Agent Targets for Every NFL Team
While it’s impossible to know exactly which players each team will target in free agency, there are always rumors and speculation leading up to the start of the signing period. Some of the most talked-about potential targets for the 2023 offseason include cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Myles Jack, and defensive end Nick Bosa.
For every team, there is someone out there who could help improve their roster. It will be interesting to see which teams are able to sign their top targets and which ones have to settle for second or third choices.
VIII. The Impact of the New CBA on Free Agency
In 2020, the NFL and NFLPA agreed on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will have lasting impacts on the league, including in free agency. Some of the changes include an increase in minimum salaries, fewer practices, and expanded playoffs.
For free agency specifically, there are no major changes expected immediately. However, over time, the new CBA could lead to more player movement and bigger contracts as teams adjust to the new rules and regulations.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, free agency is one of the most exciting times of the year for NFL fans. From the start date to the biggest names available, teams expected to spend big and potential targets for every team, there’s always something to talk about. As the 2023 offseason approaches, it will be interesting to see which teams make a splash and which ones miss out on their top targets. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for sure: free agency will continue to be an essential part of the ever-changing NFL landscape.
