As the NFL season approaches, many fans are eagerly waiting to see where star players like Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) will sign. With so much excitement and speculation surrounding free agency and player movement, it's crucial to understand the deadlines and timelines for players to sign with a team. So when does OBJ need to sign by? Let's break it down. The official start of NFL free agency typically begins in March, and this is when teams can start negotiating with players. However, players are not allowed to officially sign with a new team until the start of the new league year, which typically falls in mid-March. It's important to note that players who are released by their previous team are free to sign with a new team at any time, as they are no longer under contract. For players who are not released and become free agents, there is a deadline known as the 'July 22 rule.' This rule states that if a player has not signed a contract with a new team by July 22, they must either re-sign with their current team or sit out for the entire season. This deadline is significant because it puts pressure on players and teams to finalize deals before the start of training camp and the regular season. In the case of OBJ, as of the time of writing, he is still a free agent after being released by the Cleveland Browns. This means that he has until July 22 to sign with a new team if he wants to play in the upcoming NFL season. The timeline and deadlines for NFL players to sign contracts are crucial for both the players and the teams. It's a time of excitement, negotiation, and high stakes as players look to secure their future and teams work to strengthen their rosters. As fans eagerly await news of where players like OBJ will sign, understanding the deadlines adds an extra layer of anticipation to the NFL offseason. In conclusion, the deadline for OBJ and other free agents to sign with a new team is July 22. This date marks a crucial point in the offseason, as it determines whether players will have a team to play for in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for updates as the NFL offseason unfolds and players like OBJ make their decisions.