The online NFL betting free agency period is a tumultuous time. From drooling over potential additions your team could make, to seeing one of your favorite players get snagged by one of your bitter rivals, sportsbook fans know that the free agency period can have anything in store for even the most diehard fans. So as we begin to brace ourselves for whatever this offseason may have in store for us, let’s take a look at the biggest names hitting the market in the coming month.

The free agency period is laden with specific dates to force players and teams alike to jump through specific hoops. For example, the free agency period technically starts on February 15^th, but on that date teams are still forbidden from engaging in talks with players, let alone signing them. No on the 15^th of February, all teams are allowed to do is prevent certain players from hitting the sportsbook market by placing a franchise tag on said player.

A franchise tag will lock a player to a specific online NFL betting team for a whole year. Additionally, the salary the player receives is no less than the average of the top 5 players at that position, which guarantees that a franchise tagged player will be making some decent bucks. Nevertheless, players still hate the franchise tag because it removes all decision making from their end. Players are not allowed to test the market and a one-year contract doesn’t spell job security. Football betting sites have noted how oftentimes players who are tagged suffer an injury or experience an off year, and because of this any longtime contracts the player would have been eligible for are now in jeopardy.

NFL teams have until 4 pm ET on the 1^st of March to slap any player with the franchise tag, after that date any players will head towards free agency. On March 7^th teams can officially engage in talks with any players hitting the market. And on March 9^th at 4 pm ET – the official start of the 2017 online NFL betting league year – teams can put the ink to the paper. So with those dates in mind, let’s take a look at the biggest names hitting the market this upcoming month.

KIRK COUSINS

This past season, Cousins was the motor behind the Redskins’ explosive passing game and his efforts earned him a nod to the Pro Bowl. Cousins is coming off a season in which he threw for over 4,000 yards, 25 touchdowns, and posted a passer rating of 97.2. With these kind of stats, Cousins will fetch a high-price on the market, and with more than one potential suitor (Texans, Broncos, Chiefs) the young quarterback has plenty of options to choose from.

DESEAN JACKSON

Another Redskin, Jackson is well-known by sportsbook fans for being one of the best receivers in the league. Rumor has it that the Eagles are interested in getting Jackson back, but Jackson’s speed, hands, and versatility make him a solid addition for any team.