The 2025 NFL free agency period begins on Wednesday, March 12 at 1 p.m. PT, marking the start of a new league year and when trades can be made. However, teams have a “legal tampering” period from Monday, March 10 at 9 a.m. until Wednesday, March 12 at 12:59 p.m., allowing for contract negotiations with players who are pending unrestricted free agents.
There are three categories of free agents: unrestricted, restricted, and exclusive rights. Unrestricted free agents are those with four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract, while restricted free agents have three accrued seasons and can negotiate with any team but may receive a qualifying offer from their original team. Exclusive rights free agents have fewer than three accrued seasons and can only negotiate a one-year contract with their original team.
The Raiders, who are expected to be active in the market for key positions, have 27 players set to become free agents. Unrestricted free agents include Ameer Abdullah, Harrison Bryant, and Adam Butler, while restricted free agent Zach Carter is among those listed. Exclusive rights free agents include Matthew Butler and Kyu Blu Kelly.
In terms of needs, the Raiders are expected to focus on quarterback, wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and defensive tackle through both free agency and the draft. Fans can track all Raiders’ moves at Raiders.com’s Free Agent Tracker, which provides comprehensive coverage of their activity throughout the offseason.
Source: https://www.raiders.com/news/guide-to-2025-nfl-free-agency-dates-to-know-salary-cap-positions-of-need-and-more