When will 2024 NFL free agency start? All you need to know about futures of top names like Mike Evans, Tee Higgins and more
While the 2023 offseason is about to start, a number of players will enter the NFL free agency market this month. Some big names will be free agents in March, but teams will carefully consider the potential consequences an addition or departure will have on the entire roster.
Free agency signals the start of the new league year. In 2024, the new league year will commence on Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the legal tampering period begins 52 hours prior.
2024 NFL Free Agency: Top names available
NFL players with contracts expiring from the 2023 season will enter free agency if they have not signed an extension of any sort with their current team.
The likes of Mike Evans, Chris Jones, Tee Higgins and L'Jarius Sneed will be the top names available this year. Vikings star Danielle Hunter is another name to keep an eye on while Derrick Henry will also attract interest.
Additionally, all 32 NFL teams must be under the 2024 salary cap prior to the start of the new league year. Teams can start signing free agents once the clock strikes 4:00 p.m. ET on March 13.
Jimmy Garoppolo was the top QB in last year's NFL free agency
Jimmy Garoppolo's six-year spell with the San Francisco 49ers came to an end on March 15, 2023. The quarterback signed with the Las Vegas Raiders but was ultimately benched by the franchise later into the season.
There is a "push within the building" for the #Texans to sign free agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per @jjones9 https://t.co/R3PShoonXx
The 31-year-old was initially the second-choice quarterback for San Francisco in the 2022 season but took over as a starter in Week 3 after an injury to Trey Lance. Garoppolo finished the season with 2,437 yards on 207 passes with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Garoppolo also added 33 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground across 11 games. However, he suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 13.
The Niners eventually had to field third-string quarterback Brock Purdy for the remainder of the season. But to everyone's surprise, 'Mr. Irrelevant' led San Francisco to a stunning run, reaching the NFC Championship game.
Some believe that Purdy's incredible displays last season led to the Niners allowing Garoppolo to enter the NFL free agency market.