The 2025 NFL offseason is already underway for several franchises, obviously including the Dallas Cowboys, who missed the playoffs for the first time in four years after a disappointing and injury-plagued campaign led to a 7-10 record and a third-place finish in the NFC East.
One of the biggest dates of every offseason is the start of free agency, when teams can sign players to new contracts for the next season and beyond. Of course, several important dates leading up to that point involve the franchise tag and legal tampering.
So, with all that in mind, let's have a look at all the dates surrounding the 2025 NFL free agency period.
February 18 - March 4: Franchise tag window is open
Beginning on Tuesday, February 18, and running through Tuesday, March 4, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern, teams may designate franchise or transition players for the 2025 season.
Any player set to become an unrestricted free agent is eligible for this designation, and one of three tags can be used.
- Exclusive tag: Under the exclusive tag, designated players cannot negotiate with other teams. Clubs must offer the average of the top five salaries at the designated player's position during the current year or 120% of that player's previous salary, whichever is higher.
- Non-exclusive franchise tag: Under the non-exclusive tag, players can negotiate with other teams, but a team reserves the right to match any offer sheet. If the club decides not to match an offer, the team providing the new contract must also provide two first-round picks in return for signing the player.
- Transition tag: Transition tags are similar to non-exclusive tags with a couple of exceptions. First, the salary is determined by the average of the 10 highest-paid players at a position instead of five. Second, if a player receives an offer and their team doesn't match it, then they will not receive compensatory picks. The transition tag isn't used nearly as often as the franchise tag.
One wouldn't think the Cowboys would use the franchise tag this year, as the top two candidates for designation are seemingly running back Rico Dowdle and defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, neither of whom would be worth the cost at this point.
March 10: Legal tampering window opens
The legal tampering period begins at noon Eastern on Monday, March 10, and runs through 3:59:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
During this time, a prosepective unrestricted free agent is allowed to speak directly with other teams regarding a new contract.
While no official signings can be made, tentative deals and agreements are often agreed to during this period.
For those wondering, the Cowboys have more than 20 players set to enter free agency.
March 12: 2025 NFL free agency officially begins at 4:00 p.m. Eastern
2025 NFL free agency will officially begin at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, March 12. This is the date when players can officially sign new contracts with other teams. This is also the beginning of the new league year.