Key Dates for the 2026 NFL Offseason: Free Agency, NFL Combine & More
The NFL machine is already rolling for the 2026 season. As we know, the NFL takes no time off, so fantasy football doesn't either. Here's a look at what the next five or so months look like.
Key Dates for the NFL Offseason
Feb 17th, 2026 – Franchise Tags Began
Starting at 4:00 PM ET on 2/17, NFL teams began to designate franchise and transition tags.
Feb 23-March 2nd, 2026 – NFL Scouting Combine
This yearly NFL Combine event occurs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN where the most promising NFL Draft prospects participate in interviews, workouts, and on-field drills.
On-field workouts begin on February 26th and will be televised on NFL Network beginning at 3:00 PM ET. Here’s the lineup:
- Thursday, February 26th, 3 pm ET – Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Place Kickers
- Friday, February 27th, 3 pm ET – Defensive Backs, Tight Ends
- Saturday, February 28th, 1 pm ET – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Running Backs
- Sunday, March 1st, 1 pm ET – Offensive Linemen
March 3rd, 2026 – Franchise Deadline
The deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players is at 4:00 PM ET.
March 9-11, 2026 – Negotiating Period for Pending Unrestricted Free Agents
From NFL.com, "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 12.
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. ET, on March 11.
March 11th, 2026 – 2026 League Year Begins
Starting at 4:00 PM ET on 3/11, the 2026 league year commences, with free agent signings and trades now all legal.
March 29th- April 1st, 2026 – Annual League Meeting
All 32 NFL team owners will gather in Phoenix, AZ to discuss and vote on any new rules.
April 6th, 2026 – Workouts Begin for New Head Coaches
NFL clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2025 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 15th, 2026 - NFL Draft Physical Deadline
Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.
April 17th, 2026 – RFA Deadline
Restricted free agents have until this day to sign offer sheets from their teams. Also, teams have until April 22nd to refuse the offer sheets.
April 20th, 2026 – Offseason Workouts Begin
Teams with returning head coaches can start their workout programs.
April 23rd -25th, 2026 – NFL Draft
This year’s draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, with the following schedule.
- Round 1: Thursday, April 23, 8 p.m. ET
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24, 7 p.m. ET
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25, noon ET
May 1st, 2026 – Fifth-Year Option Deadline
Clubs have until May 1st of this NFL offseason to exercise the Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft.
May 1-4 or May 8-11, 2026 – Post-Draft Rookie Minicamp
Clubs may elect to hold a three-day, post-draft rookie minicamp on one of the two weekends following the NFL Draft.
May/June 2026 – OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp
Teams can host OTAs and mandatory minicamp
July 15th, 2026 - Franchise Player Deadline
At 4:00 p.m., New York time is the deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension.
Late-July 2026 – Training Camp
We’ll know more specifics later, but training camps open for all NFL teams.
