Looking Ahead: Essential NFL Offseason Dates for 2026
Football/Sports

Looking Ahead: Essential NFL Offseason Dates for 2026

After the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, it's time to prepare for the upcoming NFL offseason by noting important dates.

The Super Bowl has concluded, and now the NFL enters its offseason phase. While this period usually signals a reduction in league activity, it can often be just as hectic as the regular season. Teams will be focused on revamping their rosters, aiming to create competitive lineups for the 2026 season.

Key Dates for the NFL Offseason 2026

Date Event Description
Feb. 17 Franchise Tag Window Opens Teams may apply the franchise or transition tag to players eligible for free agency starting from 4 p.m. ET.
Feb. 23 - Mar. 2 NFL Scouting Combine Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft will showcase their skills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Mar. 3 Franchise Tag Deadline Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to use the franchise or transition tag.
Mar. 9-11 Legal Tampering Period From 12 p.m. ET on Mar. 9 to 3:59:59 p.m. ET on Mar. 11, teams may negotiate with agents of free agents.
Mar. 11 League Year Begins; Free Agency Opens The new league year starts at 4 p.m. ET, marking the official opening of free agency.
Mar. 29 - Apr. 1 Annual League Meeting NFL owners and executives gather in Phoenix to discuss possible rule modifications.
Apr. 6 Offseason Workouts Begin Teams with new head coaches from 2025 can commence offseason workout programs.
Apr. 15 Deadline for Draft Visits The cutoff for teams to conduct physical examinations with draft-eligible players.
Apr. 17 RFA Offer Sheet Deadline Restricted free agents must return signed offer sheets by this date.
Apr. 20 Remaining Offseason Workouts Teams with returning coaches can start workouts.
Apr. 22 Deadline to Examine Draft Prospects Last day for teams to test or interview draft-eligible players.
Apr. 23-25 2026 NFL Draft The draft will happen in Pittsburgh.
May 1 Fifth-Year Option Deadline Teams must decide on fifth-year options for first-round picks from the 2023 NFL Draft.
May 1-4 or May 8-11 Rookie Minicamp Clubs can hold a three-day minicamp for rookies following the 2026 draft.
May 19-20 Spring League Meeting Similar to the March meeting, owners convene in Orlando to discuss potential legislative changes.
July 15 Deadline to Extend Franchise Players Deadline for teams to finalize extensions for players on the franchise tag by 4 p.m. ET.
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