NFL free agency underway with "legal tampering." Here's how it works.
NFL free agency got underway on Monday, even if it's in an unofficial capacity, in what was a busy day around the league.
Starting at noon on Monday, all teams in the NFL were able to "legally tamper" with free agent players. What followed was a flurry of reports of players agreeing to contracts with new teams.
First moves of NFL free agency
The first came when wide receiver Alec Pierce, the top pass-catcher on the market who was reportedly a Patriots target, agreed to return to the Colts.
As that news broke, multiple reports indicated that the Patriots signed defensive end Dre'Mont Jones, who opted to come to New England rather than return to the Baltimore Ravens. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that the agreement is a 3-year, $39.5 million deal with $14.5 million in the first season.
The Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network said the deal is three years, up to $12 million with $6 million guaranteed.
In addition, New England lost No. 2 tight end Austin Hooper to the Atlanta Falcons, the team that drafted him.
Defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, who had a strong season this year with the Patriots, is leaving to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. Tonga reportedly agreed to sign a three-year, $21 million deal with $14 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network.
Backup Patriots left tackle Vederian Lowe agreed to a contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
About an hour before free agency began, Albert Breer of The MMQB reported that New England released linebacker Jahlani Tavai.
Late Monday night, the Patriots reportedly agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal with former New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
How does NFL free agency work?
The new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. That's when most deals are officially announced.
But in the meantime, once the legal tampering period began Monday, teams can negotiate deals with agents and reach agreements that aren't yet official.
There have been cases where players had a change of heart. That included last year when it was reported that Milton Williams had agreed to join to join the Carolina Panthers. A short time later, he was a member of the New England Patriots.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network highlighted over the weekend that there will be one change this year during the legal tampering window. For the first time, teams will be allowed to hold one video or phone call with up to five free agents.
The calls can last up to an hour, allowing teams to speak directly to players instead of making their pitch only through their agents.
Patriots offseason decisions
After reaching the Super Bowl and losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the first year of their rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots still have several areas of need entering free agency.
After deciding to release veteran Stefon Diggs last week, New England has been linked to several wide receivers ahead of the tampering period. That included Pierce, but the team will now have to pivot.
The Patriots reportedly have just under $60 million in salary cap space, putting them in position to make some additions to improve their team.
New England has a few decisions left to make on its own free agents. K'Lavon Chaisson, Jack Gibbens, and Jaylinn Hawkins are among the Patriots who will be testing the open market.
In addition, when the league year starts, star cornerback Christian Gonzalez becomes eligible for a contract extension. Gonzalez is not a free agent, but there has been plenty of speculation that the team will try to lock him up sooner rather than later.
Once free agency winds down, attention turns to the NFL Draft, which gets underway on Thursday, April 23 in Pittsburgh.