This year’s Super Bowl is almost here and once the big game has come and gone, the 2026 NFL offseason will officially be underway for all 32 teams.
There’s going to be a lot of dead time in the coming months, but thankfully there are events such as free agency and the NFL Draft to help us get by.
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For everyone who needs a refresher about what to expect from now until the start of May, here are the key offseason dates all fans should be aware of.
February 17th – March 3rd
From February 17th through 4:00 p.m. ET on March 3rd, clubs are able to designate Franchise or Transition Players
February 23-March 2
The NFL Scouting Combine takes place in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
March 9-11
The three days prior to the start of free agency and the new league year is called the “Legal Tampering” window.
From 12:00 p.m. ET on March 9th to the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline on March 11th, teams are able to contact, and enter into contract negotiations, with agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents when their current contracts expire at the start of the new league year.
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March 11
The 2026 NFL League Year begins alongside the free agency signing period at at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after the expiration of all 2025 contracts.
March 29-April 1
Annual League Meeting takes place in Phoenix, Arizona.
April 17
Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 23-25
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place in Pittsburgh, PA.
May 1st
Deadline for clubs to exercise fifth-year option for players selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft.
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