The NFL league year is about to begin in earnest with Emmitt Smith T Shirts NFL free agency, which means that teams can finally begin to addre s their needs heading into next season. There are some huge names getting ready to hit the market this season, not to mention some key quarterback situations unfolding that could affect how free agency plays out.If the NFL offseason has felt a bit shorter, well, it has been. The Super Bowl was played a week later than normal under the 17-game regular season, so everything is in fast forward this year. Teams have had to adjust to a new timetable for diagnosing and addre sing needs. The salary cap, meanwhile, is returning back to its normal growth. It's at $208.2 million this year, up from $182.5 million in 2021 (an anomaly due to the COVID-19 pandemic).Sporting News will be tracking the latest free agency rumors, signings and more below heading into the first stage of the NFL offseason:MORE:When does NFL free agency start in 2022?Legal tampering period:Monday, March 14 through Wednesday, March 16Start of 2022 NFL free agency:Wednesday, March 16, 4 p.m. ETThe start of the 2022 league year is on March 16 at 4 p.m., meaning NFL free agency starts at the same time. The institution of the NFL's legal tampering period means you may hear some deals get dome between Monday and Wednesday, but no deals can become official until Wednesday.On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,"teams are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents." As mentioned, those deals are e sentially handshake agreements, and no ink to paper can be completed until the start of the Bob Lilly T Shirts new league year.The window within teams can place the franchise tag on players is from Feb. 22 to March 8. After March 8, players who were tagged previously must play the 2022 season under the franchise tag (and the salary tied to that tag).Below are the other notable happeningsMarch 16:At 4 p.m. ET, all2021 player contractsexpire.Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teamsmust be under the 2022 salary cap of $208.2 million (top 51 rule begins).Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must exercise options for 2022 on all players who have option clauses in their 2021 contracts.Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents with expiring contracts in order to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teamsmust submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2020contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.The first day of the 2022 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ETon March 16. Teams receive a personnel notice that includes all transactions submitted to the Dallas Cowboys Jackets leagueafter 4 p.m. ET that day.MORE:NFL free agency rumors trackerBrowns and Jadeveon Clowney deal unlikely, lineman expected to test free agency after one season in ClevelandDate:March 10Source:Brad Stainbrook, 247 SportsAfter spending one season in Cleveland, DE Jadeveon Clowney will likely be playing elsewhere next season, sources say. The door is not totally closed for a return to Cleveland, but is viewed as unlikely currently. A main reason: money. My story: Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) Washington Commanders cutting S Landon Collins after failing to restructure contractDate:March 10Source:Ian Rapoport, NFL NetworkSources: The Washington are expected to release star defender Landon Collins after the two sides did not agree on a restructured contract. Collins will now hit free agency to cash in again. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) Tenne see Titans cut Pro Bowl guard Rodger SaffoldDate: March 10Source:Adam Schefter, ESPNTitans informed Pro-Bowl guard Rodger Saffold that they are releasing him, per source.This would have been the fourth year of a four-year, $44 million deal that had a $1 million roster bonus due next week. One more free-agent guard. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) Seattle Seahawks moving on from veterans Ru sell Wilson and Bobby WagnerDate:March 8Source:TeamForever grateful. Forever a Seahawk. Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) Top NFL free agents available in 2022 entering 2022. Here are the top-15 available targets prior to the start of free agency:1. Davante Adams, WR, Packers (age: 29)Adams is arguably still the best all-around wide receiver in the NFL and in his prime with long-time QB Aaron Rodgers. He's likely to get the franchise tag, part as Ezekiel Elliott Jersey a place-holder for a long-term deal and part to placate Rodgers, who's undecided about wanting to return to Green Bay.2. J.C. Jackson, CB, Patriots (age: 28)Jackson was tremendous in coverage taking over as their No. 1 corner. He had eight interceptions and led the league with 23 pa s breakups. He's iffy to come back to New England after the team parted ways with Stephon Gilmore and Jackson may need to find his big money elsewhere.3. Terron Armstead, OT, Saints (age: 30)Armstead battled some knee injury i sues in 2021 like fellow bookend Ryan Ramczyk, but he remained smooth as ever in pa s protection when out there for any of their quarterbacks. He's meant to keep playing the left side because he's not the same run-blocking rock.4. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers (age: 25)Godwin played well under the franchise tag in his second and final season with Tom Brady, who boosted his stock in making him his key short-to-intermediate go-to guy. He should recover well from his knee injury and has many strong seasons left as a versatile slot ace.5. Von Miller, EDGE, Rams (age: 32)Miller remained effective in producing 9.5 sacks in 15 combined regular-season games with Denver and Los Angeles. He's slowed down a bit from his prime but can still be a valuable part of any 3-4 defensive scheme.6. Chandler Jones, EDGE, Cardinals (age: 31)Jones rebounded to pick up where he left off after a 2020 season lost to a biceps injury, recording 10.5 sacks in 15 games. He's consistent in getting to the QB and like Miller, he has one more big-money run left in him.7. Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs ( Emmitt Smith Jersey age: 25)There's a good chance the Chiefs will lock down the rock they acquired from the Ravens last offseason soon, likely with a lucrative long-term deal (smart given his age) vs. the franchise tag.8. Mike Williams, WR, Chargers (age: 27)Williams shook off some past durability i sues to have his best season, catching 76 of 129 targets for 1,146 and 9 TDs, proving to be a key deep threat and red zone option for Justin Herbert. Los Angeles may move on, however, with Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer having promise to complement Keenan Allen with big plays outside.9. Je sie Bates III, S, Bengals (age: 25)Bates was a second-team All-P