NFL legal tampering period: Biggest players whose futures remain uncertain

The NFL free agency period doesn't begin until March 15, but the NFL legal tampering period starts now. WIth a host of free agents looking to get their futures sorted, it will be a fast-paced few days for NFL players.

So, what about those who will get neither? Will they have to wait until the opening of free agency to even begin talking to other teams about a potential move?

The answer is - no, thanks to an NFL rule that allows teams to speak with unrestricted free agents. Teams are not allowed to enter discussions with players currently on another roster due to tampering rules, but once a certain date rolls around, teams are free to do whatever they want.

So what is the legal tampering period? Let's have a look.

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What is legal tampering period in NFL?

The legal tampering period is a three-day window in the NFL offseason that is perhaps one of the most exciting times on the calendar. There are generally a whole host of moves that teams will make (or try to) and it can often involve star players switching teams.

Not allowed to talk to unrestricted free agents until the legal tampering date (March 13, it ends on March 15), NFL teams have to bide their time and wait for the 'window' to open. When it does, a flurry of activity usually follows. This leads to many unrestricted free agents to swap teams rather easily as contracts can be sorted out prior to the official free agency period opening.

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When does the legal tampering period start in 2023?

The legal tampering period starts on March 13 at 12:00 PM and is only for unrestricted free agents. Seeing as these players are still under contract until the new league year begins on March 15, unrestricted free agents can begin discussions with other teams (not face to face though). They will do so in the hope of securing a new deal.

In short, players and a new team can verbally agree on every detail of the contract, but can't officially sign that deal until the NFL free agency window opens.

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5 players whose futures could be altered in legal tampering period

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v San Francisco 49ers

#5 - Dalton Schultz

The Dallas Cowboys tight end is likely to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the NFL legal tampering window. With so many teams needing a pass-catching tight end, Schultz fits the bill.

With the improvement in Cowboys' rookies in Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferguson, having Schultz on a top-tier tight-end contract doesn't make sense for Dallas.

Expect Schultz's future to be one of the first to be finalized in free agency.

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#4 - Lavonte David

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The star linebacker from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is up for a new contract. However, his age might be the most concerning part of any potential deal.

Being 33 years old, the veteran will probably suit a Super Bowl contender and it is likely that they could get him on the cheap as well.

Several teams will likely be interested in his services and he could be the perfect top-up player for a contender.

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#3 - Jessie Bates III

Baltimore Ravens v Cincinnati Bengals

The star Bengals safety is rumored to be one of the hottest free agents on the market. The 25-year-old is thought to be highly sought-after by the Atlanta Falcons and will garner plenty of interest from other NFL teams.

Just where he will land is anyone's guess, but there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bengals star.

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#2 - Dalvin Tomlinson

NFC Wild Card Playoffs - New York Giants v Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings' defensive run-stopper is up for free agency this offseason after coming to the end of his two-year deal with Minnesota.

At the time of writing, it is unknown if the Vikings will agree to a new deal with the 28-year-old, but there are a host of teams who could do with a stud run-stopper.

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#1 - Leighton Vander Esch

Houston Texans v Dallas Cowboys

The 'Wolf Hunter' had a superb season for the Cowboys and playing on a one-year, $2 million deal, he more than outplayed that. Now an unrestricted free agent, there is sure to be a host of teams after the star linebacker.

Whether Jerry Jones wants to pay the going rate for linebackers (around $8 million a year) is unknown. But Vander Esch proved himself to be a star in the NFL and Dallas could do with his services in the long term. But so could other teams as well.