NFL Free Agency 2013 Start Time & Details

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL free agency, 2013 edition begins today.

NFL free agency is perhaps one of the most exciting times of the year for fans. Big name players hit the market and can be scooped up by any team with a big enough wallet.

The action gets started today, March 12, at 4 p.m. eastern time. Once the clock strikes four, any player with an expiring 2012 NFL contract that has not signed an extension or received a franchise tag or a tender, will be free to sign with any team they like. Trades can go down, as well. That means Alex Smith will likely be named a Chief today.

Here is some extra info from NFL Communications:

"For Restricted Free Agents, from March 12 to April 19. For Unrestricted Free Agents who have received the June 1 tender from their prior club, from March 12 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later). For Franchise Players, from March 12 until the Tuesday following the 10th week of the regular season, November 12. If a Franchise Player does not sign by November 12, he must sit out the season. There are no Transition Player designations this year."

Teams and agents have already been negotiating for three days, so expect some signings right out of the gate. It is going to be a wild day around here, so check back often.