Horse Tracks: Let the "legal tampering" period begin

At midnight, all 32 teams in the NFL were allowed to begin contract negotiations with players who will be free agents when the 2015 league year begins on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

For the Broncos, that means players such as Julius Thomas, Orlando Franklin, Terrance Knighton and Rahim Moore will begin hearing official pitches for their services.

According to the rules, free agents can’t visit interested teams prior to Tuesday. Also, teams are only supposed to outline parameters of an offer, not enter into agreements(Yeah right).

Back in 2013 when this was put into place, the NFL sent out a memo to explain this process. Here is a portion of the memo that helps explain this three day period.

Clubs are further advised that prior to the beginning of the new League Year it is impermissible for a club to enter into an agreement of any kind, express or implied, oral or written, or promises, undertakings, representations, commitments, inducements, assurances of intent or understandings of any kind concerning the terms or conditions of employment offered to, or to be offered to, any prospective Unrestricted Free Agent for inclusion in a Player Contract after the start of the new League Year. Any announcement of an agreement or an agreement in principle by a club or another party, including, but not limited to, a certified agent, player, or media organization may subject the club to a tampering investigation.

So expect a ton of rumors to begin starting today. We should get an idea of what players the Broncos have their eyes set on, and we'll also see what teams have interest in the Broncos free agents who are hitting the free agent market.

Broncos linebacker Steven Johnson not tendered:

Mike Klis of the Denver Broncos tweeted out last night that the Denver Broncos did not place a tender on linebacker Steven Johnson. This means the reserve linebacker will hit the Free Agent market.

Broncos linebacker Steven Johnson not tendered, will become free agent: http://t.co/JoQkIRgcUN via @mikeklis

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 7, 2015

If the Broncos placed a tender on Johnson it would have cost them 1.542 million towards the cap. Klis does say that the Broncos have not ruled out re-signing the linebacker to a lesser salary later, but he will be able to shop his services around the league.

Horse Tracks:

• Beast mode returns. Running back Marshawn Lynch has signed a two-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks.
• The Chicago Bears have agreed to trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets in exchange for a 5th round draft pick.
• After trading for Marshall, the Jets are expected to release wide receiver Percy Harvin.
• The Indianapolis Colts have decided against bringing back veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
• The Oakland Raiders have released linebacker Nick Roach.
• Free agent safety La'Ron Landry has been suspended 10 games for PED violation.
• The Dallas Cowboys and right tackle Doug Free are close to a new deal.
• The New York Jets have re-signed linebacker David Harris to a new three-year deal.
• The Miami Dolphins are reportedly confident they will be able to sign Suh.
• The New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins have their eyes set on free agent running back Justin Forsett.
• The San Diego Chargers have signed wide receiver Jacoby Jones.
• The Panthers signed "Blindside". Tackle Michael Oher has signed with the Carolina Panthers.