Key dates for 2026 NFL offseason

Here are the key dates to keep in mind during the 2026 NFL offseason...

Feb. 17: TEAMS CAN BEGIN USING FRANCHISE/TRANSIONTAL TAGS

Starting Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. ET, NFL teams can begin designating franchise tag and/or transitional tag players. The most commonly used tag is the exclusive franchise tag, which prohibits a player and their agent to negotiate with any other teams. It pays the player the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year or 120 percent of his previous salary (whichever is greater).

Feb. 23-March 2: NFL SCOUTING COMBINE

The scouting combine brings the entire NFL universe to Indianapolis, giving each team a chance to not only see the top draft prospects up close and in person, including meeting with the players, but it's also the genesis of most major trades, as GMs, coaches, and other executives mingle and lay down the foundation for future moves.

March 3: DEADLINE FOR FRANCHISE TAG DESIGNATIONS

Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to designate their franchise players.

March 9-11: FREE AGENCY BEGINS

Starting March 9 at noon, teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with players who will become unrestricted free agents. This is commonly referred to as the "legal tampering" window. However, contracts cannot be signed until 4 p.m. on March 11, which is when the new league year officially begins. Any reported trades that happened during the offseason can also officially be announced by the clubs at the start of the new year.

March 29-APRIL 1: ANNUAL LEAGUE MEETING

All 32 owners gather together in Phoenix, Ariz. to discuss possible rule changes and much more.

APRIL 6: OFFSEASON WORKOUT PROGRAMS BEGIN FOR CLUBS WITH NEW HEAD COACHES

Teams with new head coaches can choose to start their offseason workout programs on April 6. Teams with returning head coaches can begin their offseason programs on April 20.

APRIL 17: DEADLINE FOR RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Players who are restricted free agents have until April 17 to sign offer sheets from their teams. However, teams have an April 22 deadlineto refuse the offer sheets.

APRIL 23-25: NFL DRAFT

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh.

The Jets will be drafting second overall, and in all likelihood will be selecting the club's next franchise quarterback, with Oregon's Dante Moore seemingly the best option.

The Giants own the No. 5 pick, and find themselves in a good spot given they don't need a quarterback this time around. Perhaps an elite receiver like Ohio State's Carnell Tate could be an option.

MAY 1: DEADLINE FOR CLUBS TO EXERCISE FIFTH-YEAR OPTIONS

Players selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft are eligible for fifth-year options. For the Jets, picking up Will McDonald's fifth-year option seems like a no-brainer. For the Giants, though, adding a fifth-year to Deonte Banks' contract may not be in the cards. Both players, of course, are under contract for the 2026 season, whether or not the 2027 option in picked up.

MAY 1-4 or MAY 8-11: POST-DRAFT ROOKIE MINICAMP

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.

JULY 15: DEADLINE FOR CLUBS TO SIGN FRANCHISE TAG PLAYERS TO MULTI-YEAR DEALS

On this day at 4:00 p.m., there is a deadline for clubs to sign franchise tagged players to long-term deals. If no long-term deal can be reached, no new deal can be signed until the end of the 2026 season.

MID-JULY: TRAINING CAMP

Specific dates for each club will be announced at a later time. Teams can have their rookies report seven days prior to the actual "report date" for veterans.