The 2022 NFL season officially came to an end on Feb. 12, 2023, when the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35 to earn the Kansas City franchise's third Super Bowl victory.
Now, NFL fans are eager to move on to the next part of the league calendar: the offseason.
At this point, every team still has a chance to win the 2024 Super Bowl. Some teams are better equipped than others to make it there as currently constructed, but given the parity that exists across the NFL, no team can be ruled out.
And soon, many teams could look a lot different than they did last season. Each NFL team will make at least one big-time acquisition via trade, free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft, so there will be plenty of reason for optimism among fan bases.
The first big offseason event will be free agency. Big fish — including quarterbacks Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo and Geno Smith — will be available, and teams in dire need of help will be able to acquire it thanks to the NFL's $224.8 million salary cap.
Just when is NFL free agency, and who are the top players available? Here's what to know about the major player acquisition period for 2023, including the latest rumors about some top potential targets.
IYER: Ranking the top 50 free agents, best free agents by position in 2023 offseason
When does NFL free agency start in 2023?
- Legal tampering period: March 13-15
- Start of 2023 NFL free agency: 4 p.m. ET March 15
The NFL's new league year will start at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 15. As per usual, free agency will begin at the same time.
But teams "are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents" during the two-day period ahead of free agency, per the NFL. The so-called "legal tampering window" will open at noon ET on Monday, March 13.
Teams must choose before the start of free agency whether to use their franchise tag. The tag period is from Feb. 21 to 4 p.m. ET on March 7. A player must be tagged — or agree to a contract extension — before then to avoid becoming a free agent.
Other notable happenings that will occur on March 15:
- At 4 p.m. ET, all 2022 player contracts expire.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must be under the 2023 salary cap of $224.8 million (top-51 rule begins).
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must exercise options for 2023 on all players who have option clauses in their 2022 contracts.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents with expiring contracts in order to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.
- Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2022 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
- The first day of the 2023 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on March 16. Teams receive a personnel notice that includes all transactions submitted to the league after 4 p.m. ET that day.
QB OPTIONS: Jets | Raiders | Buccaneers | Panthers
NFL free agency rumors tracker
Cowboys want Ezekiel Elliott to take 'massive' pay cut
Date: Feb. 18
Source: Matt Lombardo, Heavy.com
Elliott's effectiveness has waned in recent seasons. He is still a great goal-line back but he isn't as explosive as Tony Pollard, who thrived in Dallas last year. The Cowboys want to keep Pollard, so it makes sense that they would want Elliott to lower his $16.7 million cap hit for next season.
Multiple league sources tell me the pay cut the #Cowboys will ask Ezekiel Elliott to take will be “massive,” and there’s no guarantee he takes the deal.
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) February 18, 2023
More via @HeavyOnSports: https://t.co/hNY3nkJk4O pic.twitter.com/aVB2ich8Ml
Jason Kelce still undecided about playing in 2023 or retiring
Date: Feb. 14
Source: Jason Kelce
Kelce was asked by his brother Travis on their "New Heights" podcast whether he would keep playing in 2023 or call it a career. The 35-year-old hinted that a decision would come soon, but he wasn't yet ready to make one.
"Man, I can't answer that right now. No chance," the Eagles center said. "We'll answer that soon enough, I guess. I don't know the answer to that right now. So I can't answer it.
"I do know it was a lot of fun this year. I had an amazing team and time doing this show with my brother, so we'll see. I'm going to let the batteries recharge. I'm exhausted, man. It's a long season, mentally, physically, emotionally drained, and I'm going to let all that kind of recover before we decide on that."
Raiders could place franchise tag on Josh Jacobs
Date: Feb. 11
Source: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Jacobs was the NFL's leading rusher in 2022 with 1,653 yards. Fowler reports that the Raiders may consider placing the franchise tag on him given his success and fit in Josh McDaniels' offense.
Ravens hope to sign Lamar Jackson to a long-term extension
Date: Jan. 19
Source: Clifton Brown, Ravens.com
The Ravens reaffirmed two months ahead of free agency that they want to sign Jackson to an extension.
"Our focus right now is to get a long-term deal done," general manager Eric DaCosta said. "It's going to take some time, it's going to take some effort, some great communication, give-and-take. But I'm confident that we'll be on the right path to get that done."
The Ravens have maintained that stance since Jackson was first extension-eligible during the 2021 offseason. It's not a surprise that their mindset remains unchanged.
MORE: When and where is the 2023 NFL Draft?
Top NFL free agents available in 2023
SN's Vinnie Iyer ranked the 50 best available free agents entering the 2023 offseason. Here are the 15 best players who will be available:
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (age: 26)
The Ravens would like to keep their MVP QB, but they must give in to specific terms, value and guaranteed money Jackson's camp should think he's worth. A tag-and-trade scenario is also in play.
2. Kaleb McGary, OT, Falcons (age: 27)
McGary had a dominant run-blocking season in his big breakout with Atlanta and should command a top-of-market deal should the team not keep its right tackle.
3. Daniel Jones, QB, Giants (age: 25)
The Giants need to decide how much Jones is worth (in the $30 million range or up to $40 million) after not picking up his fifth-year option ahead of his best NFL season. Jones found his passing and running groove despite limited weapons under the coaching duo of Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka. New York is likely to lock him up long term, but it's not a given.
4. Jason Kelce, C, Eagles (age: 35)
There was a chance, depending on the outcome of Super Bowl 57 playing opposite his brother Travis, that Kelce might retire. If he doesn't, he can still anchor the middle of a line at a high level.
5. Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders (age: 24)
Jacobs won the 2022 rushing title with 1,653 yards and also led the league with 393 touches and 2,053 yards from scimmage. He is a rare workhorse who still has limited wear. There's a good chance he stays in Las Vegas and keeps thriving in Josh McDaniels' offense.
6. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Vikings (age: 28)
Tomlinson is one of the league's most disruptive interior pass-rushers, and he's also solid against the run.
7. Jessie Bates III, S, Bengals (age: 25)
Bates is an excellent run-stopper who won't return to Cincinnati after being franchise-tagged in 2023. He is also is reliable in coverage.
8. Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks (age: 32)
Smith had a Comeback Player of the Year season being elevated to replace Russell Wilson. The Seahawks would like to bring him back on a reasonable contract, but it also might have him be a bridge to a rookie.
9. Javon Hargrave, DT, Eagles (age: 29)
Hargrave's job is to get upfield and get to the quarterback with inside pressure. He has done that well for three seasons in Philadelphia, as evidenced by his 11 career sacks.
10. Lavonte David, ILB, Buccaneers (age: 33)
David is near the end of his career, but he's still a well-rounded playmaker. He can provide plenty of pop vs. run and pass and also provide savvy leadership.
11. Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs (age: 26)
Brown is up and down with his play, but he still grades out as a sound left tackle in front of Patrick Mahomes.
12. Isaac Seumalo, G, Eagles (age: 29)
Seumalo is another strong interior piece of Philadelphia's league-best offensive line. Pass protection is his best asset.
13. Ethan Pocic, C, Browns (age: 27)
Pocic has been solid in every capacity since coming over from the Seahawks to replace J.C. Tretter.
14. Brandon Graham, EDGE, Eagles (age: 34)
Graham came back from a 2021 season lost to injury to contribute some of the best play of his long career, including a career-high 11 sacks.
15. Jimmie Ward, S, 49ers (age: 31)
Ward can sometimes be a liability in coverage and doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher, but he still plays like an active linebacker vs. the run.
