With virtually all the rest of the sports world shut down by the coronavirus, the NFL marched ahead with the beginning of its so-called free-agency tampering period March 16 despite some criticism, including within the league. (NBC’s Peter King reported that one GM told him that, “It’s arrogant. It looks gross. We need to chill out for a while. The optics of it are going to be awful.”)
As of noon March 16, pending free agents could begin negotiations with other teams, and contracts can formally be signed when the new league year begins March 18. Teams also have other housekeeping items to take care of before the new league year begins, including the tendering of restricted free agents.
The first unofficial day of free agency indeed was a busy day for the Ravens. Here is what transpired for the Ravens March 16:
