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2018 NFL Free Agency Primer: Everything you need to know

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NFL's free-agency period officially begins March 14. The 32 teams around the league are afforded two extra days prior to the 14th to enter into contract negotiations with unrestricted players.

Get. Your. Popcorn. Ready.

It's free agency time! The most glorious time of the NFL year is upon us, and the cash is about to flow like never before.

And, like always, theScore is here to cater to your every free-agency need as the market gets set to open.

Top free agents

QB RB WR
1. Teddy Bridgewater 1. Dion Lewis 1. Jordy Nelson
2. AJ McCarron 2. Carlos Hyde 2. Terrelle Pryor
3. Mike Glennon 3. Rex Burkhead 3. Mike Wallace
DL LB DB
1. Ndamukong Suh 1. Nigel Bradham 1. Trumaine Johnson
2. Sheldon Richardson 2. Zach Brown 2. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
3. Muhammad Wilkerson 3. Avery Williamson 3. Morgan Burnett

Don't forget to check out the full list of top free agents, broken down by the best 10 at each position. Read More.

Free-agency predictions

  • Predicting where the top 10 offensive free agents will sign

Big-name players headline the offensive free agents. Want to know where Kirk Cousins, Allen Robinson, and Case Keenum will ultimately land? We have the answers for you. Read More.

  • Predicting where the top 10 defensive free agents will sign

The defense side of the ball doesn't quite have the star power the offense boasts, but a host of intriguing names headline the class, including Malcolm Butler. Where will the Super Bowl benchwarmer land and seek out his revenge? Read More.

  • 5 bold predictions for free agency

Warning: these red-hot takes must be handled with care. Read More.

Money talks

  • Updated salary cap space for all 32 teams

NFL teams' ever-changing salary caps can be a headache to figure out. But don't sweat. We've got the latest numbers heading into the new league year. Read More.

  • The Big Spenders: Examing the cap-rich teams set to rule free agency

Free agency isn't always about who has the most cash to spend, but it's a safe bet that the likes of the Browns, Jets, Colts, and Vikings will look to dominate the market thanks to their embarrassment of cap riches. Read More.

Taking a deep dive

  • What each of the final 4 suitors can sell to Kirk Cousins

The Broncos, Jets, Vikings, and Cardinals are reportedly the final four standing in the race to secure Cousins. We break down what each team could use to entice the coveted quarterback. Read More.

  • Free-agency matchmaker: Finding the perfect addition for all 32 teams

Free agency is never good for every single NFL team. Before most fans' dreams are dashed, we provide some hope with a perfect player for each team. Read More.

  • Why 49ers should make big free-agent splashes after Garoppolo record deal

Jimmy G is locked up for the foreseeable future, and even though the 49ers handed him the most expensive contract in NFL history, they would be smart to surround their newfound franchise player with top talent. Read More.

  • Building a 33rd NFL team out of only free agents

Could of an entire roster of free agents beat the Browns? Read More.

  • 5 players teams should be wary of in free agency

Not every free agent will be a success. Actually, most won't. Read More.

  • 10 players who could be headed home in free agency

Several players could be getting some home cooking if they choose the right destination. Read More.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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