Happy new year.While the trade market has gotten a little more attention than free agency, the new NFL league year is almost here, meaning the free agency market is going to be flush with talent looking for new uniforms this offseason.The le sened NFL salary cap entering the 2021 season makes for interesting cap casualties hitting the market, and the franchise tag is playing a heavy, heavy role into which players will be hitting the market and lacing up new team colored cleats this upcoming season.Sporting News will be tracking the latest free agency rumors, signings and more below heading into the first stage of the NFL offseason:MORE: | Legal tampering period:Monday, March 15 through Wednesday, March 17Start of 2021NFL free agency:Wednesday, March 17, 4 p.m. ETThe start of the 2021 league year is on March 17 at 4 p.m., meaning NFL free agency starts at the same time. The institution of the NFL's legal tampering period means you may hear some deals get dome between Monday and Thomas Vanek Jersey Wednesday, but no deals can become official until Wednesday.On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,"teams are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents." As mentioned, those deals are e sentially handshake agreements, and no ink to paper can be completed until the start of the new league year.As it stands, the NFL could push back the deadline for the franchise tag to be placed on players, with 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 9 the current deadline. On Alex Stalock Jersey March 10, the NFL informed clubs that this year's salary cap will be set at $182.5 million, down about $16 million from the 2021 season.Wednesday, March 17 also means that trades which have been previously agreed to will become official, and deals can be struck.Below are the other notable happeningsMarch 17:At 4 p.m. ET, all2021 player contractsexpire.Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teamsmust be under the 2021salary cap (top 51 rule begins).Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must exercise options for 2021on all players who have option clauses in their 2020 contracts.Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teams must submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts in order to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.Prior to 4 p.m. ET, teamsmust submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2020contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.The first day of the 2021league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ETon March 17. Teams receive a Nino Niederreiter Jersey personnel notice that includes all transactions submitted to the leagueafter 4 p.m. ET that day. Titans in for a secondary makeoverDate:March 10Source:Ian Rapoport, NFL NetworkFrom NFL Now: The cuts hit deep in the secondary, as S Kenny Vaccaro and CB Malcolm Butler both are expected to be released. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) It's more rough news for NFL veterans, as vet defensive backs Kenny Vaccaro and Malcolm Butler both are hitting free agency, per Rapoport. With the salary cap down roughly$16 million heading into 2021, expect more veteran players with big checks to hit the market.Saints clearing cap space, planning to release notable namesDate:March 10Source:Ian Rapoport, NFL NetworkFrom NFL Now: The are wiggling under the salary cap, with some clever moves and some tough decisions. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) The Saints, who are $31 million over the cap, have released a pair of notable names, with linebacker Kwon Alexander and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders both heading towards free agency. Alexander is recovering from an Achilles injury, while Sanders is entering the twilight of his NFL career. Sanders did have over 700 yards receiving in 2020.Allen Robinson gets second franchise tagDate:March 9Source:Adam Schefter, ESPNBears placed franchise Darcy Kuemper Jersey tag on WR Allen Robinson, per source. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) Bears standout wideout Allen Robinson catches the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, abruptly ending any talk of him hitting free agency. The idea of a tag-and-trade could still be in the works, but Chicago figures to want to keep Robinson in a Bears uniform long-term.Kenny Golladay is free agency boundDate:March 9Source:Tom Peli sero, NFL NetworkThe dont plan to tag WR Kenny Golladay, per source.No final decision on whether Detroit may use a tag on someone else, but it appears Golladay is headed to the market. Tom Peli sero (@TomPeli sero) In something of a surprise, Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay seems to be hitting the market, per Peli sero. Golladay is coming off an injury-shortened 2020 season, but has 1,000-yard seasons in both 2018 and 2019.Bud Dupree may have a new team in 2021Date:March 9Source:Adam Schefter, ESPNLB Bud Dupree, Pittsburghs franchise player last year, has been informed that he will not be franchised again this year, per league source. Dupree is headed to free agency. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) Coming off a 8 1/2 sack season, Dupree played out the franchise tag and won't be getting Christian Folin Jersey it again come 2021, per Schefter. Dupree is one of the preeminent pa s rushers to hit free agency this year.Chris Godwin gets the tagDate:March 9Source:Adam Schefter, ESPNBuccaneers informed WR Chris Godwin he is being franchise tagged, per source. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) Arguably the best receiver who was scheduled to hit the market in 2021, Buccaneers wideout Chris Godwin will be getting the franchise tag, per Schefter. Godwin is one of the trio of key Jason Zucker Jersey free agents for the Bucs this offseason, with defenders Shaq Barrett and Lavonte David both hitting the market, as well.Dak Prescott isn't going anywhereDate:March 8Source:Ian Rapoport, NFL NetworkFrom NFL Now: Amid the waiting on the cap number, there is some positivity surrounding QB Dak Prescott's potential deal even if it doesn't get done by Tuesday. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) Months of Dallas bra s telling the world that Dak Prescott will be the Cowboys quarterback in 2021 seems to be closer to reality, with the franchise tag going to be placed on Prescott. The two sides will have until July 15 to get a long-term deal done.Washington considering franchise tag on ScherffDate:March 8Source:Tom Peli sero, NFL Network (NFL Now)Washington is considering placing the franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff once again, per NFL Network's Tom Peli sero. Scherff is scheduled to be one of the top two guards available on the free agent market, alongside Patriots guard Joe Thuney.Lions getting calls for backup QB