When does NFL free agency start for the Arizona Cardinals?

NFL free agency is on the horizon, and the Arizona Cardinals front office is preparing to rebuild this team for the 2023 season. When does the fun begin?

The actual start date for NFL free agency can be confusing on any given year, as rarely, will you see an undisputed date telling you when free agency begins. Instead, there are specific windows that the Arizona Cardinals and the league’s other 31 teams must follow that encompasses the free agency period.

These are often labeled “important dates.” So when are these important dates pertaining to free agency? Below, you will find a quick rundown:

• February 21st through March 7th, the Cardinals may designate either a Franchise Tag or Transition Tag if they choose.
• Marth 13th, at 10 a.m (MT), the Cards may begin open negotiations with Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA). However, they may only enter negotiations once a UFA’s 2022 contract officially expires, which occurs between the 13th and the 15th.
• March 15th, players who the Cardinals agree to terms with between March 13th and March 15th may execute their new deals, starting at 2 p.m (MT). At this time, the Cardinals must also submit their qualifying offers to any Restricted Free Agent (RFA).

Arizona Cardinals could be active in free agency this year

With nearly $13.6 million in cap space per SpotTrac, and with a roster in need of a makeover, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals are active in free agency. While you shouldn’t expect many blockbuster deals, look for the Cards to sign serviceable role players who can help the team get younger on both sides of the ball.

The Cards may wind up with up to three compensatory draft picks and if they trade DeAndre Hopkins, you can expect a few more coming their way. Look for them to parlay money toward those picks as they enter 2023 substantially younger than they were in 2022.

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