There’s a major event between the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft that helps determine the short-term destinies of all 32 teams. In recent seasons, NFL free agency has become a more prominent open market. Keep reading to know more about the NFL.
When Does NFL Free Agency Start in 2022?
The NFL league year is set to get underway in earnest with NFL free agency, which means that teams can finally start to address their needs for next season. There are some big names about to hit the market this season, as well as some significant quarterback situations that might influence how free agency plays out.
If the NFL offseason felt a little shorter, that’s because it was. The Super Bowl was played a week later than usual due to the 17-game regular season, so everything is moving at a breakneck pace this year. Teams have had to adjust to a new timeline for assessing and responding to needs. Meanwhile, the pay cap is returning to normal growth. It is now worth $208.2 million, up from $182.5 million in 2021. (an anomaly due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
So when did NFL free agency start? The 2022 league year begins on March 16 at 4 p.m., which means NFL free agency begins at the same time. Because of the NFL’s legal tampering period, some agreements may be made between Monday and Wednesday, but no deals may become official until Wednesday.
“Teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract discussions with the certified representatives of players who will become unrestricted free agents” on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. As previously stated, these are effectively handshake agreements, and no ink can be put to paper until the start of the new league year.
Picking the Best Overall Top 5 Players
All scouting and evaluation have taken place prior to the 2022 NFL Draft. Now it’s a matter of selecting the top overall players available beginning Thursday night but also knowing how prospects compare across positions.
With some players seeing their value rise or fall in the final weeks before the draft, here’s a look at The Sporting News’ final Big Board rankings, now expanded to a top 200: Here are the top five NFL players.
1. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (6-6, 260 pounds)
He’s a technically good and physically strong talent built to play 4-3 end who might benefit from more mobility and pass-rush skills.
2. Ickey Ekwonu, OT, NC State (6-4, 310 pounds)
Ekwonu has risen up the boards with his strong and forceful run blocking, as well as the necessary nasty streak to push around and scare his defensive line assignments. He’s also proven to be a solid left tackle.
3. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (6-7, 337 pounds)
In the NFL, Neal will be a powerful blocking force. He’s extremely athletic for his size, agile enough to handle the greatest pass rushers and powerful enough to clear defenders in the running game.
4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon (6-4, 254 pounds)
Thibodeaux is an out-of-this-world athlete in every way—an explosive pass rusher and an agile pursuit man who covers a lot of ground. He also combines speed and underrated power.
5. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame (6-4, 220 pounds)
Hamilton is both intelligent and athletic. He has the instincts and athleticism to diagnose plays and react fast, allowing him to make plays all over the field against the run and pass. He’s one of the most complete and terrifying safety prospects in recent memory.
