I. Introduction
Football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of the NFL free agency season. It’s the time where players, agents, and teams negotiate and make deals that could significantly impact the upcoming season. However, with so much speculation and rumors going around, it can be challenging to keep track of when the 2022 free agency period will begin. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about when to expect the 2022 NFL free agency and what to look out for leading up to it.
II. Countdown to NFL Free Agency: When Will it Begin in 2022?
As with most NFL events, the date for free agency changes every year. In 2020, the free agency period began on March 18th, while in 2021, it started on March 17th. So, when can we expect the 2022 free agency to begin?
Although there’s no official announcement yet, most sources predict that the 2022 NFL free agency period will start on March 16th. This comes as no surprise, as March 16th, 2021, marked the beginning of the 2021 free agency period, and it’s unlikely that the NFL will stray too far from this date in 2022.
Leading up to the start of the free agency, fans can expect to see a lot of rumors, buzz, and reports from insiders. Teams will be releasing or restructuring contracts to get under the salary cap, creating cap space for free agency. Fans will be looking out for leaks regarding potential trades and contract negotiations leading up to the start of free agency.
III. Biggest NFL Free Agency Moves: A Look Back at Past Signings
Free agency has become an integral part of the modern NFL game. Each year, teams make some of the biggest moves of the offseason by bringing in key players from other teams. Some of the most notable free agency signings in recent years include:
- Tom Brady, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020
- Ndamukong Suh, who signed with the Buccaneers in 2019
- Case Keenum, who signed with the Denver Broncos in 2018
These impactful signings have not only helped the new teams become more competitive, but they’ve also disrupted the league’s balance of power and created new storylines to follow throughout the season.
As we gear up for the 2022 free agency period, there are many players who could make a significant impact for a new team. Some of the most talked-about free agents include:
- Davante Adams, wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers
- Chris Godwin, wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Trey Hendrickson, defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals
- Dalvin Cook, running back for the Minnesota Vikings
- Marcus Williams, safety for the New Orleans Saints
Each of these players could make a significant impact on a new team and shift the balance of power during the upcoming season.
IV. Predicting the Top NFL Free Agents: A Look at Who Will Be in High Demand in 2022
As with any free agency period, some players will be in high demand. Teams will be looking to fill gaps in their roster while keeping in mind their salary cap budget. Some of the teams that could show interest in specific free agents include:
- The Seattle Seahawks: Many experts predict that the Seahawks will be looking to bolster their receiving corps, potentially targeting Chris Godwin or Will Fuller V.
- The New York Giants: The Giants could be players in both the wide receiver and cornerback markets, with notable free agents like Allen Robinson and Shaquil Griffin potentially on their radar.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers: After parting ways with James Conner, the Steelers could be looking for a new starting running back. Potential targets include Aaron Jones and Kenyan Drake.
While there’s no telling where exactly these free agents will end up, these speculations certainly help build excitement for the upcoming season.
V. Understanding the Financials of NFL Free Agency
One of the most critical aspects of free agency is the financials behind it. Before teams can sign new players, they need to ensure that they have enough cap space to accommodate them. The salary cap was set at $198.2 million in 2020 and is expected to increase slightly when the 2022 free agency period begins. However, each team has its own budget to consider, which means that some teams will have more wiggle room than others. This can often lead to a bidding war for high-profile free agents, driving up prices and creating interesting dynamics among teams.
Free agency can be a risky proposition for teams, as it’s often difficult to know how well a new player will adapt to the team’s system and play style. Teams need to make sure that they’re making sound financial decisions while also ensuring that they’re addressing their needs on the field.
VI. Fantasy Football: Players To Keep An Eye on During NFL Free Agency
Free agency doesn’t just impact the real-life game; it also has significant implications for fantasy football. As teams make notable signings and shuffle their rosters, player values can shift significantly. Here are a few players to keep an eye on during the 2022 free agency period:
- DJ Chark: The Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver will be a free agent in 2022 and could potentially leave the team. With the right landing spot, Chark could establish himself as a valuable fantasy asset.
- Kenny Golladay: The Detroit Lions wide receiver missed most of the 2020 season with an injury but could be a top fantasy player if he lands in the right spot during free agency.
- Mike Davis: The Atlanta Falcons running back had a solid season in 2020 after filling in for an injured Christian McCaffrey. If he leaves the Falcons during free agency, he could be a sneaky pick in fantasy drafts.
As always, it’s important to keep an eye on the latest news and rumors leading up to draft season so that you can make informed decisions when it comes to your fantasy team.
VII. Conclusion
The beginning of free agency season is always an exciting time for NFL fans. With so many moving pieces and rumors swirling around, it can be challenging to keep track of everything. However, armed with the knowledge we’ve covered in this article, you can stay up to date on the latest news and predictions and make informed decisions both as a real-life football fan and as a fantasy team owner.