NFL free agency looms with tampered period on Monday

The NFL never stops, and on Monday, the carousel will get cranked up to the max.

With free agency beginning on Monday afternoon with the tampering period, the NFL is going to see massive player movement even if the deals can’t become official until Wednesday when the new league year begins. Hell, we’ve already seen plenty of action with the Oakland Raiders fleecing the Pittsburgh Steelers for Antonio Brown, the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns swapping Olivier Vernon and Kevin Zeitler, and the Los Angeles Rams signing safety Eric Weddle.

It’s all happening, and we haven’t even hit Monday.

Once we get to the start of the new week, the action will begin at a furious rate. The main names to watch are going to include Le’Veon Bell and Trey Flowers, along with Nick Foles, Rodger Saffold and Tyrell Williams. Let’s focus on Bell, though, considering he will draw the most attention from a fantasy and national standpoint.

Bell, 27, sat out all of last season as he was placed on the franchise tag for the second straight year by the Steelers. Instead of putting more miles on himself, the former Michigan State star decided to wait it out, eschewing more than $14 million in salary to bet on landing a bigger deal come March. Now we’re here, and Bell has to prove that his big bet wasn’t foolish.

Onto Flowers. The New England Patriots are allowing Trey Flowers to hit free agency, giving defensive-needy teams a target. At only 26 years old, Flowers is one of the rare players who deserves a significant contract despite never having 10 sacks in a season. He’s one of the most versatile front seven pieces in the game, showcasing the ability to play defensive end, outside linebacker and even defensive tackle at times.

The Patriots are considered by many to be out of the expected bidding war, but don’t believe the hype. New England has a long history of allowing players to hit the market before seeing what will be offered. At that point, the Patriots — and really Bill Belichick — will decide whether keeping the player is worth it.

While there’s still time for more insanity to take place between the time of this publishing (Sunday morning) and Monday afternoon, expect some silence as teams ready their plans. Then, when the tampering period begins, look for a frenzy of activity, with both team and agent desperately trying to win the game of musical chairs.