2025–2026 Important NFL Dates

September
Sept. 1-6

In accordance with the Personnel (Injury) Report Policy, each club is required to file a Practice Report by 4:00 p.m. ET, (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a regular season Monday game; Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for a Wednesday game; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for a Thursday game; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for a Friday game; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for a Saturday game; and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for a Sunday game.

Each club must also file a weekly regular season Game Status Report by 4:00 p.m., ET (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) on Saturday for a Monday game; Tuesday for a Wednesday game; Wednesday for a Thursday game, Thursday for a Friday game, Thursday for a Saturday game, and Friday for a Sunday game. An update must be reported if there is any change in a player’s condition after the initial Game Status Report is filed.

Sept. 4-5, 7-8 – Kickoff Weekend
Sept. 5
NFL International Game at Corinthians Arena (São Paulo)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Sept. 23
Beginning on the day after the completion of the third regular season weekend, the claiming priority will be based on current standings, and ties will be broken based on current strength-of- schedule of the involved clubs. If ties still exist, they will be broken by strength-of-victory, point differential, and then by lot.

Sept. 26, 29-30
Beginning on the day after a club’s fourth regular season game (including any bye week), it is permitted to begin practicing players on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform and Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness (if the player failed his preseason physical due to a non- football injury or illness) for a period not to exceed 21 days. Players may be activated during the 21-day practice period, or prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, on the day after the conclusion of the 21-day period.

Sept. 28
NFL International Game at Croke Park (Dublin, Ireland)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

October

Oct. 5
NFL International Game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns

Oct. 12
NFL International Game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets

Oct. 19
NFL International Game at Wembley Stadium (London)
Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars

Oct. 21-22
Fall League Meeting (New York)

November

Nov. 4
All trading ends for 2025 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Nov. 5
Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons are subject to the waiver system for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.

Nov. 9
NFL International Game at Olympic Stadium (Berlin)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts

Nov. 11
At 4:00 p.m. ET, signing period ends for Franchise Players who are eligible to receive offer sheets.

Prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, deadline for clubs to sign their unsigned Franchise and Transition Players, including Franchise Players who were eligible to receive offer sheets until this date. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2025.

Prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, deadline for clubs to sign their unrestricted free agents to whom the “UFA Tender” was made. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2025.

Prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, deadline for clubs to sign their restricted free agents, including those to whom the “June 1 Tender” was made. If such players remain unsigned after this date, they are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2025.

Nov. 16
NFL International Game at Bernabéu Stadium (Madrid, Spain)
Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins

December

Dec. 9-10
Special League Meeting (Virtual).

January 2026

Jan. 3-4
Week 18 – end of regular NFL season

Jan. 5
Clubs may begin signing free agent players for the 2026 season, including players from the CFL.

Earliest permissible date for clubs to renegotiate or extend the rookie contract of a drafted rookie who was selected in any round of the 2023 NFL Draft or any undrafted rookie who signed in 2024. Any permissible renegotiated or extended player contract will not be considered a rookie contract and will not be subject to the rules that limit rookie contracts.

Clubs may exercise fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Early deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. A preliminary list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2026 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on Jan. 6. (Tentative)

Jan. 7
Beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET, on the Wednesday following the final regular season weekend, rosters are frozen for clubs participating in the postseason with limited exceptions.

Jan. 10-12
Wild Card Weekend

Jan. 14 (Tentative)
Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2026 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 15.

Jan. 17-18
Divisional Playoffs

Jan. 23 (Tentative)
Deadline for college players who played in the National Championship game who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. A final list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2026 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 24.

Jan. 25
AFC and NFC Championship Games

February 2026

Feb. 8
Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California).

Feb. 17
Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m. ET on March 3, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

Feb. 23–March 2
NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis).

March 2026

March 3
Prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 9-11
During the period beginning at 12:00 noon ET, on March 9 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 11, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 player contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET, on March 11.

During the two-day negotiation period prior to the start of the 2026 League Year, each club may conduct one video or phone call for no longer than one hour with no more than five (5) prospective unrestricted free agents. The player’s agent must be a participant of the call.
No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m. ET, on March 11.

March 11
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

The first day of the 2026 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 11. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m. ET, and 11:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 11.

March 29–April 1
Annual League Meeting (Phoenix, Arizona)

April 2026

April 6
Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2025 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 15
Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct a physical examination with a draft- eligible player at its club facility.

April 17
Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 20
Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 22
Deadline for prior club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.
Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 23-25 – NFL Draft 2026 – Pittsburgh, Pa.

Important 2025 NFL Offseason Dates

Frank Coyle/ Don Hope
www.draftinsiders.com

While the 2025 league year does not technically begin until March 12th, there are many key calendar dates that are part of the NFL offseason process. The following are the key dates on the league calendar between now and week 1 of the NFL season.

February 10th – As of the Monday after the Super Bowl, teams are allowed to start releasing players without any repercussion on the 2024 Salary Cap. All veteran players with more than four (4) accrued seasons are immediately free agents and not subject to waivers. All non-vested veterans (i.e. less than four (4) accrued seasons) are subject to waivers. If they clear waivers, they immediately become free agents and are free to sign a contract at any time (even if before March 12th).

With the new league year set to commence on March 12th, teams generally start making salary cap moves in late February and early March.

February 24th – March 3rd – NFL Draft Combine

We have extensive Senior Bowl & East-West coverage in the February Newsletter
#1 February Newsletter – New Three Round Mock/ Extensive Review of Senior Bowl & E-W Prospects
#2 Prospect Positional Rankings Document – Top 300 Rankings
Available Now – Special Deluxe Package $59.95 – Order Today

Early March – The date that the NFL has announced the list of Compensatory Draft picks has varied over the years from the Friday of the NFL Combine to more recently, just before the new league year (March 10th in 2020 and 2021; March 15th in 2022; March 9th in 2023; March 11th in 2024). Each year 32 additional Compensatory selections are distributed to teams who lose more Free Agents than they sign. Additionally, teams are compensated for losing minority coaches or personnel men the prior season.

February 18th – March 4th – As of February 18th, teams can begin designating pending Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) with the Franchise or Transition Tag. If a team wants to use either Tag, they must do so by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 4th.

March 10th – The “legal tampering” window opens. At Noon on March 10th, teams and pending UFAs can start discussing contract offers and terms with potential free agents, though a contract cannot be agreed upon until March 12th.

March 12th – At 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 12th, the 2025 NFL League year begins:

Teams must have submitted tender offers to all of their Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) and Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) who they want to retain.
Teams must exercise all 2025 contract options tied to the first day of the league year.
Free agency begins for Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) and Restricted Free Agents (RFAs)
The trading period begins. Any trades agreed to before this date can now be officially consummated.
All teams must be under the Salary Cap and the Rule of 51 Cap computation begins.

The 2025 Salary Cap has yet to be officially announced, but most reports are expecting it to be in the $270-275M range.  This number will obviously change between now and March 12th as teams  make other moves – RFA/ERFA tenders, signing, re-signings, restructures and/or contract extensions – aimed at creating additional Cap space.

April 18th – The deadline for teams to sign RFAs to an offer sheet. If another team signs a RFA to an offer sheet, the player’s present team has five (5) days to match that offer or potentially (depending on the tender given to the player) receive draft pick compensation if they decline to match. With the draft starting on April 24th, the deadline to sign a player to an offer sheet and allow for the required 5-day match period is April 23rd.

April 24th-26th – The NFL Draft 2025 – Green Bay, Wisconsin

May 1st – May 1st is the CBA-mandated date (Monday after the NFL draft) by which 5th Year Options must be exercised for 4th year players who were drafted in the 1st round.

May 1st – The “May 1st Tender” date. This date, which was moved forward from June 1st a couple of years ago, is essentially the last date that the signing or losing of a free agent will count toward the Compensatory Draft pick calculation. The May 1st Tender is also a way a team can potentially obtain exclusive negotiating rights with a player later in the summer (after July 22nd). It also provides extended Comp pick eligibility if the player is tendered a contract of at least 110% of his prior year’s compensation by May 1st. Otherwise, if the player is not given the Tender, he no longer counts toward the Comp pick formula and the team does not gain any special negotiating advantage later in the off season.

NFL Calendar & Dates – 2025

2025 Dates

January

Jan 6     Clubs may begin signing free agent players for the 2025 season, including players from the CFL.
Earliest permissible date for clubs to renegotiate or extend the Rookie Contract of a Drafted Rookie who was selected in any round of the 2022 College Draft or any Undrafted Rookie who signed in 2023. Any permissible renegotiated or extended Player Contract will not be considered a Rookie Contract and will not be subject to the rules that limit Rookie Contracts.

Clubs may exercise fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.

Jan 8    Beginning at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Wednesday following the final regular season weekend, rosters are frozen for clubs participating in the postseason with limited exceptions.

January 11-13    Super Wild Card Weekend

January  15 – Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility.
  Players have until Jan. 20th to rescind their decision. 

January 24 Deadline for College Playoff team players to declare for the NFL Draft 2025

January 18-19    Divisional Playoff Games

Jan 20   NCAA National Championship Game (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia)

Jan 26   AFC & NFC Championship Games

Jan 30  East-West Shrine Bowl

February

Feb 1     Senior Bowl (Hancock-Whitney Stadium, Mobile, Alabama)

Feb 2     Pro Bowl Games

Feb 9    Super Bowl LIX (Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana)

Feb 18 – Beginning this date through at 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 4, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

February 24 – March 3   NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana)

March

Mar 4    Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 10-12      Negotiation Period. During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 10 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 12, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2024 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor (“Unrepresented Player”) is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials (excluding the Head Coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player’s status as an Unrepresented Player.

No prospective Unrestricted Free Agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

Mar 12 – The 2025 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
Trading period for 2025. Trading begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2024 contracts.

The first day of the 2025 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 12. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

March 30-April 2 – Annual League Meeting (The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida)

Mar 31 Deadline for clubs to meet 2025 funding requirements for guaranteed or deferred compensation in NFL Player Contracts and contracts for non-player Club employees.

April

Apr 7     Clubs that hired a new Head Coach after the end of the 2024 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

Apr 16 Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.

Apr 18 Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

Apr 21 Clubs with returning Head Coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

Apr 23 Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents who signed offer sheets.

Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls), or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 24-26          Annual Selection Meeting/NFL Draft (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
                                 NFL Draft 2025

May

1-May   Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.

May 2-5 or          Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 9-12

May 12                Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 20-21          Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator (Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota)

NFL Hall of Fame Game 2024 – Bears vs Texans – August 1st

NFL Mini Camp Dates & OTA Workout Schedule by Team

The NFL’s 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game will feature the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, the Hall announced on Thursday August 1st.

Devin Hester, Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers of the Bears and Andre Johnson from the Texans are among the former players who will be enshrined as members of the Class of 2024.

The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 1, during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week in Canton, Ohio.

The other inductees in this year’s class are Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar and Patrick Willis. The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3.

NFL Mini Camp Dates & OTA Workout Schedule by Team

Team                                        OTA offseason workouts                Mandatory Minicamp

Arizona Cardinals                      May 20-22, 28-30, June 3-6                       June 11-13

Atlanta Falcons                         May 13-14, 16, 20-21, June 3-4, 6                June 10-12

Baltimore Ravens                      May 20, 22-23, 28, 30-31, June 3-4, 6-7   June 11-13

Buffalo Bills                               May 20-21, 23, 28-30, June 3-4, 6             June 11-13

Carolina Panthers                      May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6      June 11-13

Chicago Bears                          May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31                              June 4-6

Cincinnati Bengals                     May 28-30, June 3-6                                 June 11-13

Cleveland Browns                      May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                     June 11-13

Dallas Cowboys                         May 21-23, 29-31                                         June 4-6

Denver Broncos                         May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                    June 11-13

Detroit Lions                              May 21-23, 29-31, June 10-12                  June 4-6

Green Bay Packers                   May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6     June 11-13

Houston Texans                         May 20-21, 23, 29-31                                 June 4-6

Indianapolis Colts                      May 21-23, 29-31                                        June 4-6

Jacksonville Jaguars                  May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-6        June 10-12

Kansas City Chiefs                    May 20-22, 28-30, June 4-7                      June 11-13

Las Vegas Raiders                     May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-6         June 11-13

Los Angeles Chargers                May 20-21, 23, 29-31, June 4-7                June 11-13

Los Angeles Rams                     May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-6         June 10-12

Miami Dolphins                          May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31                           June 4-6

Minnesota Vikings                     May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 10-13      June 4-6

New England Patriots                May 20-21, 23, 29-31, June 3-6                June 11-13

New Orleans Saints                   May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                        June 11-13

New York Giants                        May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6-7    June 11-13

New York Jets                           May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 3-4, 6-7     June 11-13

Philadelphia Eagles                   May 20, 22-23, 28, 30-31                            June 4-6

Pittsburgh Steelers                    May 21-23, 28-30, June 3-6                       June 11-13

San Francisco 49ers                  May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31                            June 4-6

Seattle Seahawks                      May 20, 22-23, 28, 30-31, June 3-4, 6-7   June 11-13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers             May 21-23, 28-30, June 4-6                       June 11-13

Tennessee Titans                      May 20-21, 23, 28-29, 31, June 10-13         June 4-6

Washington Commanders          May 14-15, 17, 21-22, 24, June 4-5, 7      June 11-13

July 17: Franchise tag deadline for players to sign long-term contracts

Late July: Training camps open

Hall of Fame Game – Aug. 1, 2024 – Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans

August: Preseason Games (3 per team)

NFL Dates 2024

Feb. 20 – Beginning today through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 5, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

Feb. 26 –March 4
NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

March
March 5 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 11-13 – During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 11 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2023 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor (“Unrepresented Player”) is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials (excluding the head coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player’s status as an Unrepresented Player.

No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 13
The 2024 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
Trading period for 2024 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2023 contracts.

The first day of the 2024 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 24-27 – Annual League Meeting, Orlando, FL

April
April 1 – Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2023 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 15 – Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17 – Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct a physical examination with a draft- eligible player at its club facility.

April 19 – Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 24 – Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.
Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft, Detroit

May
May 2 – Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft.
May 3-6 or May 10-13 – Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 13 – Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 20-22 – Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator, Nashville, TN

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Selection Order – Jan. 22,2024
Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Here is the first-round draft order following the first two rounds of the NFL playoffs. The Chicago Bears are guaranteed the first overall pick from the Carolina Panthers as a result of the trade last spring. They also hold their own #1 pick, the 9th overall selection.

The NFL Draft selection order is based on the 2024 NFL standings plus the NFL Draft tiebreaking procedures. Picks 1-18 are the non-playoff teams, with the losing playoff clubs set on picks #19-28.  Tied positions rotate up in the succeeding rounds. Positions 1 through 28 are now set and the final four positions will be based on the Conference title and Super Bowl games.

Currently Carolina & Cleveland do not have 2024 1st round picks

Jan. 15 – Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. They will have until Jan 18th to rescind their decision and retain their college eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft 2024 – Detroit, Michigan

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order – Updated Jan. 22

1 Chicago (Carolina – 2-15)
2 Washington (4-13)
3 New England (4-13)
4 Arizona (4-13)
5 Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
6 New York Giants (6-11)
7 Tennessee (6-11)
8 Atlanta (7-10)
9 Chicago (7-10)
10 New York Jets (7-10)
11 Minnesota (7-10)
12 Denver (8-9)
13 Las Vegas (8-9)
14 New Orleans (9-8)
15 Indianapolis (9-8)
16 Seattle (9-8)
17 Jacksonville (9-8)
18 Cincinnati (9-8)
19 LA Rams (10-8)
20 Pittsburgh (10-8)
21 Miami (11-7)
22 Philadelphia (11-7)
23 Houston (Cleveland – 11-6)
24 Dallas (12-6)
25 Green Bay (10-9)
26 Tampa Bay (10-9)
27 Arizona (Houston – 10-9)
28 Buffalo (12-7)

Playoff Clubs below bracketed based on in the Conference title games, current record and SOS

29 Kansas City (13-6)
30 Detroit (14-5)
31 San Francisco (13-5)
32 Baltimore (14-4)

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.

He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL, NFL Draft and Free agency with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

NFL Dates 2024

February
Feb. 4 – Pro Bowl Games

Feb. 11 – Super Bowl LVIII, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

Feb. 20 Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 5, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

Feb. 27 –March 4
NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

March
March 5 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 11-13 – During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 11 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2023 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor (“Unrepresented Player”) is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials (excluding the head coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player’s status as an Unrepresented Player.

No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 13 – The 2024 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
Trading period for 2024 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2023 contracts.

The first day of the 2024 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 24-27 – Annual League Meeting, Orlando, FL

April
April 1 – Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2023 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 15 – Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17 – Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct a physical examination with a draft- eligible player at its club facility.

April 19 – Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 24 – Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.
Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft, Detroit

May
May 2 – Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft.
May 3-6 or May 10-13 – Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 13 – Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 20-22 – Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator, Nashville, TN

NFL Opening Week Schedule 2023

Thursday, September 7th – 8:20 pm EDT – NBC
Lions (0-0) vs Chiefs (0-0)

Sunday, September 10th

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
Panthers (0-0) vs Falcons (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Texans (0-0) vs Ravens (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Bengals (0-0) vs Browns (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
Jaguars (0-0) vs Colts (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Buccaneers (0-0) vs Vikings (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – CBS
Titans (0-0) vs Saints (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
49ers (0-0) vs Steelers (0-0)

1:00 pm EDT – FOX
Cardinals (0-0) vs Commanders (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – FOX
Packers (0-0) vs Bears (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – CBS
Raiders (0-0) vs Broncos (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – CBS
Dolphins (0-0) vs Chargers (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – CBS
Eagles (0-0) vs Patriots (0-0)

4:25 pm EDT – FOX
Rams (0-0) vs Seahawks (0-0)

8:20 pm EDT – NBC
Cowboys (0-0) vs Giants (0-0)

Monday, September 11th
8:15 pm EDT – ESPN, ABC, ESPN2
Bills (0-0) vs Jets (0-0)
 

2023 NFL Preseason Schedule

 New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns – Hall of Fame Game

August 3, 2023 – Thursday, 8:00 p.m. (NBC)
    Dates, times, channels

The NFL preseason games are here with the opening classic Hall of Game between the Jets and Browns. It begins four weeks of preseason game as clubs decide on their final rosters.

The NFL regular season starts on Sept. 7th after a month of preseason games. The NFL preseason is an annual period where NFL teams play three games each except for the Hall of Fame opponents. NFL players have the opportunity to prepare for the regular season with many younger players earning roster spots for the upcoming 2023 regular season.

Check out the complete details for this year’s NFL preseason slate, including dates, times and TV channels.

2023 NFL Preseason Schedule – (All times Eastern)

Hall of Fame Game – Thursday, Aug 3th
New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns – 8:00 p.m. (NBC)

Week 1

Thursday, Aug. 10:
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots – 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks – 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Friday, Aug. 11:
New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions – 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 7 p.m.
Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins – 7 p.m.
Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns – 7:30 p.m.
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals – 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Saturday, Aug. 12:
Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills – 1 p.m.
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears – 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
New York Jets vs. Carolina Panthers – 4 p.m. (NFL Network)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys – 5 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens – 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams – 9 p.m. (NFL Network)

Sunday, Aug. 13:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints – 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 4 p.m. (NFL Network)

Week 2

Thursday, Aug. 17:
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles – 7:30 p.m. (NFL Network)

Friday, Aug. 18:
Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants – 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19:
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions – 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans – 4 p.m. (NFL Network)
Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – 6:30 p.m.
Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts – 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets – 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals – 8 p.m.
New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers – 8 p.m.
Tennessee Titans vs. Minnesota Vikings – 8 p.m.
Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers – 8:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams – 9 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks – 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Sunday, Aug. 20:
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 7:05 p.m. (NFL Network)
Monday, Aug. 21:
Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders – 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Week 3

Thursday, Aug. 24:
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons – 7:30 p.m. (NFL Network)
Indianapolis Colts vs. Philadelphia Eagles – 8 p.m. (Prime)

Friday, Aug. 25:
Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers – 8 p.m. (CBS)
New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans – 8:15 p.m. (NFL Network)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers – 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Saturday, Aug. 26:
Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings – 1 p.m.
Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders – 1 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers – 1 p.m.
Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears – 1 p.m.
New York Jets vs. New York Giants – 6 p.m. (NFL Network)
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 7 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 7 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys – 8 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos – 9 p.m. (NFL Network)

Sunday, Aug. 27:
Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints – 7:05 p.m. (FOX)

NFL Regular 2023 Season – Opening Weekend

    Thursday September 7th to Monday Night September 11th