NFL Free-Agent Signings: Dissecting Top Rumors for 2017

The NFL’s "legal tampering" window begins today, which means the unofficial start to free agency is here.

While teams cannot officially sign players until the new league year begins on March 9 at 4:00 p.m. ET, they can take the next two days to "negotiate all aspects of an NFL Player Contract with the certified agent of any prospective UFA," as a memo the league sent out Monday stated, per Pro Football Talk.

Of course, rules were made to be broken, and there’s already been plenty of buzz suggesting preexisting chatter between teams and prospective free agents, a lot of which tends to go down at the scouting combine in late February.

Let’s break down some of the biggest rumors floating around as we head into the start of free agency.

WR Kenny Britt Drawing San Francisco 49ers’ Interest

Los Angeles Rams free-agent wide receiver Kenny Britt moved to southern California in 2016 with the Rams, and now there’s a chance he could be calling himself a NorCal resident in 2017.

According to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee, the 49ers are expected to take a look at Britt should he reach free agency.

Britt is on the rise; he posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2016 and added five touchdowns for a team that didn’t have much else to write home about in the passing offense.

Meanwhile, the 49ers released veteran Torrey Smith, as NFL alum Steve Smith Sr. tweeted on Monday, and are incredibly light at the position; it’s one they could look to address in both free agency and the draft.

Plus, San Francisco has money to burn, with about $90 million in cap space, the second-most in the league.

LT Matt Kalil Could Join Brother, Ryan, in Carolina

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The Carolina Panthers have continued to have problems along the offensive line, and it appears that they’ll be in need of a left tackle in 2017.

Veteran Michael Oher, who suffered a head injury in September, is still in the league’s concussion protocol, which is tragic and not a good sign for his ability to play this season. Panthers tackle Mike Remmers, who filled in for Oher last season, would likely move back to his natural position on the right side if re-signed.

Of the options available to start on the blind side, Carolina is expected to be in the running for Minnesota Vikings free agent Matt Kalil, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.

A current Panthers offensive lineman—Matt’s brother, Ryan—would be very pleased with that development. The brothers' father told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that they've been working out together in the offseason:

"Frank Kalil, an offensive lineman who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1982 and played in the USFL from 1983-85, said his son has been working out in his native California with his brother, Carolina center Ryan Kalil."

The Panthers may also have interest in Denver’s Russell Okung and Cincinnati’s Andrew Whitworth, but all will be pricey. If that’s the case, Carolina may as well go with the player they already know will be a welcomed addition to the culture in the locker room.

Bucs Interested in DL Calais Campbell

John Froschauer/Associated Press

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have nearly $80 million to spend in free agency, and they intend to use it to land a high-impact starter.

Arizona Cardinals free-agent defensive lineman Calais Campbell is just one of the big names in which the Bucs are interested, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.

Tampa Bay finished second in the NFC South and, at 9-7, fell just short of earning a wild-card berth in the playoffs. A difference-maker such as Campbell could help provide the push they need to get there in 2017.

William Gholston and Akeem Spence will both be free agents for the Bucs, and neither could provide the level of play Campbell could.

The defensive lineman had eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, six passes defensed and an interception for Arizona in 2016.

Campbell’s services will be costly, but the Bucs are one of the teams most prepared to afford them this offseason.