Before the 2016 NFL free-agency frenzy begins on March 9, 49ers.com gets you up to speed on what you need to know prior to player-movement season.
As of Monday, teams are allowed to contact and start contract negotiations with the certified agents of unrestricted free agents. Contracts cannot be executed with a new club until 1 p.m. PT on Wednesday, March 9.
Just like any other year, you can be sure there will be a lot of roster changes around the league. Prior the kick-off date, the San Francisco 49ers were also active. The club did not use a franchise tag, but they re-signed tight end Garrett Celek and running back Shaun Draugh. San Francisco also signed defensive tackle Quinton Dial to a three-year contract extension.
So what else do you need to know about the 2016 version of free agency?
Read the rest of this post for five key points.
1. Which 49ers are free agents?
In alphabetical order:
LB Ray-Ray Armstrong
WR Anquan Boldin
G/T Alex Boone
RB Reggie Bush
K Phil Dawson
OL Jordan Devey
DT Tony Jerod-Eddie
LB Michael Wilhoite
NT Ian Williams
Eleven players are set to become free agents this spring. View all of them in one place.
- Where do the 49ers rank in salary-cap room?
According to the NFL Players Association, the league's 2016 adjusted salary cap figures show the 49ers will roll over the fifth-most salary-cap space in 2016.
3. Which free agents received franchise tags?
Most teams have placed tags on marquee free agents with the goals of reaching a long-term contract and preventing them from reaching the open market.
The names to know:
1. Denver Broncos – Von Miller, outside linebacker – exclusive tag
2. Carolina Panthers – Josh Norman, cornerback – non-exclusive tag
3. New York Jets – Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end – non-exclusive tag 4. Chicago Bears – Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver – non-exclusive tag
5. Miami Dolphins – Olivier Vernon, defensive end – transition tag
6. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, safety – non-exclusive tag
7. Washington Redskins – Kirk Cousins, quarterback – non-exclusive tag
8. Buffalo Bills – Cordy Glenn, offensive tackle – non-exclusive tag
9. Los Angeles Rams – Trumaine Johnson, cornerback – non-exclusive tag
10. Baltimore Ravens – Justin Tucker, kicker – non-exclusive tag
- Who are the best remaining NFL free agents?
See the top names based on position or in photographic form below:
Now that the franchise tag deadline has passed, take a look at the best players in the free-agent market according to NFL.com.
- What is the media saying leading up to free agency?
Shall we crank up the rumor mill one time?