Here is an overview of important NFL dates for 2026 league year. All times are Eastern and all dates are subject to change.
Feb. 17 – March 3
Clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players (ends 4 p.m. ET).
Feb. 23 – March 2
NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, IN.
March 9–11
Legal Tampering Period (negotiations with agents for Unrestricted Free Agents).
March 11 (4 p.m. ET)
2026 League Year, Trading Period, and Free Agency signing period begins.
March 29 – April 1
Annual League Meeting.
April 6
Offseason workouts begin for teams with new head coaches.
April 17
Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign offer sheets.
April 20
Offseason workouts begin for teams with returning head coaches.
April 23–25
2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh, PA.
May 1
Fifth-year option deadline for 2023 first-round picks.
May 1–4 or May 8–11
Rookie minicamps.
July 15
Deadline to sign franchise-tagged players to long-term deals.
Mid-to-late July
2026 Training Camps begin.