The 2015 free agency process could be getting a kick in the pants. Sort of.
In past years, the window for free agency additions counting toward the compensatory draft pick formula closed on June 1. This year, for the first time, it has moved to May 12.
It means that any remaining unrestricted free agents whose prior contracts expired on March 10 can join new teams without that transaction counting toward the new team’s total free agency gains and losses for the purposes of determining compensatory picks in 2016. For a player’s former team, the transaction won’t count as a loss for free-agency purposes after May 12.
Notable available names include quarterbacks Mike Vick, Tarvaris Jackson, and Matt Flynn, running back Chris Johnson, receiver Wes Welker, tight end Jermaine Gresham, and tackle Joe Barksdale.
The NFL adjusted the date to give teams a chance to add veterans in time for meaningful participation in offseason workouts and minicamps. By June 1, the offseason programs begin to wind down.