It's noon and the NFL free agency's legal tampering period is now underway

Free agency doesn't officially kick off until Tuesday at 4 p.m.

But beginning today at noon, NFL teams will be allowed to speak to soon-to-be free agents to discuss signing new contracts away from their previous employer.

At noon, teams will be allowed to engage in negotiations with agent representatives of players that are set to be free agents on Tuesday. This is only in effect for upcoming unrestricted free agents and doesn't apply to exclusive rights or restricted free agents.

Though the league allows teams to negotiate with the representation of unrestricted free agents, teams are not allowed to visit or arrange travel for these players during this legal tampering period. No direct contact from the player and the teams is permitted either.

While teams and agents can discuss contracts, one cannot be signed until 4 p.m. on Tuesday. A lot of talking will take place over these four days. But nothing can be executed until free agency hits.

Get ready, folks. Here comes free agency.