NFL teams have a new rule available to them from Monday as the free agency period begins with teams looking to land some big-name players on the open market throughout the week
09:12 ET, 09 Mar 2026
Travis Kelce
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Travis Kelce could speak to other NFL teams for the first time while considering his options
NFL's free agency period is here with hundreds of players set to sign deals with new teams over the next few days but a new rule will make communications slightly different this year.
Over several decades, teams have had to wait until two days before the beginning of the new NFL season - usually in mid-March - to have the opportunity to speak to players. They do so through their agents, being able to negotiate deals to offer the player a contract to join their team. This does not include players who are released from their teams beforehand, such as Tyreek Hill's situation with the Miami Dolphins.
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But now, NFL teams are allowed to hold a video call with five free agents for a maximum of one hour when the negotiating window opens (Monday 12pm ET). Six starting quarterbacks are set to speak to teams from Monday as they hope to land another role.
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This means the likes of Travis Kelce, Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson can speak with teams themselves, rather than through agents as they consider their options.
It is a rule that was passed in 2025 and came into fruition for the first time this offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers the first time to suggest the changes.
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks on before a game
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Kyler Murray will be paid nearly $54 million by the Cardinals after his release(Image: Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Teams were reminded of the change on Monday, with a statement reading: "A club may conduct one video or phone call for no longer than one hour with no more than five (5) prospective UFAs. The Player’s certified agent must be a participant of the call.
"During the one permitted video or phone call, a Represented Player or Unrepresented Player is permitted to communicate with any member of the club."
This could be substantial news for Kelce, who is reportedly set to continue playing in 2026 while potentially having to listen to offers from other teams.
Tua Tagovailoa
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Tua Tagovailoa was cut on Monday(Image: Getty Images)
The Chiefs are an intriguing position with Kelce. While clearly hoping to bring him back, they'll also know that they need to address other weaknesses in their team.
And with limited cap space available to do so, Kelce could realistically listen to other teams offers. Should he do so, he will be able to speak to other teams himself for the first time in his career.
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Quarterbacks Murray, Wilson - along with Geno Smith and Tua Tagovailoa, will also be able to hold conversations with teams themselves as they consider their options.
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