NFL Free Agency 2016: Legal tampering window begins

The unofficial start of 2016 NFL free agency begins today, Monday, March 7 at 12:00 PM EST.  For the fourth year in a row, in an attempt to curb all the illegal tampering that goes on before free agency, the NFL has decided to make it legal. Actual NFL free agency does not officially begin until Wedneday, March 9 at 4:00 PM EST, but a "negotiating period" or "legal tampering window" as it's come to be known begins today at noon.

Here are the important things to know regarding this 2-day negotiating window:

• Agents can negotiate numbers, but not actually sign a deal
• Teams can talk to agents, not the player
• Players can't visit other teams (except their own)
• Only applies to UFAs, not RFAs or ERFAs
• Starts today at 12 PM EST and ends when FA starts on Wednesday at 4 PM EST

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The Philadelphia Eagles have six unrestricted free agents whose agents will be allowed to start talking with other teams today. One of those players is Walter Thurmond. Thurmond played well for the Birds in 2015 but it seems like the Eagles might want to move in a different direction at safety. It'll also be interesting to see what happens with Nolan Carroll, considering it's been reported the Eagles have mutual interest in him returning.

On the other hand, the Eagles will also be able to start talking to agents. The Birds are reportedly interested in Chiefs guard Jeff Allen. Philadelphia needs some new offensive lineman and potentially a new starting safety as well so you can bet they'll be chasing after those players. The Eagles don't have a ton of cap space to spend so they'll have to be smart. Howie Roseman also needs to add depth at some positions.

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Read BGN's extremely informative NFL free agency primerr to get you geared up for this week. Keep an eye out for the BGN rumor tracker (coming soon) for all the latest news.

In the meantime, use this open thread to discuss any rumors or reports you may see. BGN will have the biggest stories covered here at the site, as always.