The league that never sleeps.
If you thought theNFLwas about to slow down and go into hibernation for a few months before the offseason kicks into high gear, think again. The league might only play meaningful games for just over five months a year, but the offseason is a different beast.
Unlike the on-field games, there is no time limit to what happens off the field.
The NFL world is constantly spinning in preparation for the next season, so they have crafted a calendar that clearly outlines what the next seven or so months will look like before kickoff in September.
It's a whole new game now.
Here's what to know about all the important dates on the NFL's offseason calendar in 2026.
NFL offseason calendar 2026
Feb. 17: Franchise tag window opens
Teams can choose to place the franchise tag or transition tag on players who are set to hit free agency. The window is open until 4 p.m. ET on March 3. NFL teams can use the franchise tag only once per offseason, which essentially serves as a one-year deal to keep a player from departing in free agency.
Feb. 23 to March 2:NFL combine
The NFL invited 319 prospects to the pre-draft event in 2026, which is slated to take place at the home of the Indianapolis Colts – Lucas Oil Stadium.
March 3: Franchise tag window closes
It's deadline day for the franchise and transition tag. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to make a decision.
March 9: NFL legal tampering begins
The NFL tampering period is the pregame to free agency and it begins at Noon ET on March 9. Teams can talk with agents and agree to terms, but there will be no pen-to-paper or finger to the tablet from the player to make the deal official.
March 11: NFLfree agency, new league year
The new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, meaning all signings and trades can become official.
March 29 to April 1: NFL league meetings
Rule changes and other matters will be discussed when the league convenes in Phoenix for the annual meetings.
April 6: Offseason workouts begin (for teams with new HCs)
Nearly a third of the league will be able to begin offseason workouts this year after the coaching carousel saw 10 coaching changes.
April 17: Restricted free agent offer sheet deadline
Restricted free agents have until this day to sign offer sheets.
April 20: Offseason workouts begin (for teams with returning HCs)
The remaining 22 teams can officially begin offseason workouts.
April 23 to April 25:NFL draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh.
May 1: Fifth-year option deadline for 2023 first-round picks
Every first-round pick in the NFL draft has a "fifth-year" option built into their initial four-year contract after being drafted. Teams may elect to exercise the option to keep the player for another season, but that decision must be made by May 1 for 2023 first-round picks.
May 1-4 or May 8-11: Rookie minicamps
Teams can choose between these dates for their three-day rookie minicamp after the draft.
Mid-May: NFL schedule release
The NFL has traditionally released the schedule for the upcoming season in mid-May.
May 19 to May 20: Spring league meeting
The spring league meetings will be held in Orlando, where everyone will gather again to discuss potential rule changes and related matters.
June 1 cuts
This is akey date for managing salary cap spacewhen it comes to trades, releases or retirements.
July 15: Franchise tag extension deadline
Players on a franchise tag have until 4 p.m. ET on July 15 to sign a contract extension. After that time, the player will have to wait until after the team's last regular-season game to ink an extension of any kind.
Mid-to-Late July: Training camp opens
Training camps officially open, signaling that football season is just around the corner.
Early August: NFL preseason begins
There are about four weeks of preseason action, which traditionally begins with the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. The two teams participating in that game will play four preseason contests, while the remaining 30 teams will play only three.
Late August: NFL roster cutdown
Rosters must be reduced to 53 players ahead of the regular season.
When does the 2026 NFL regular season begin?
The 2026 NFL regular season is expected to begin on Thursday, Sept. 10, if previous seasons are any indication. However, the league could break tradition and open on Wednesday, Sept. 9, according toPuck's John Ourand.
A scheduling quirk created by the significant time difference has the league exploring its options ahead of the Week 1 matchup between theLos Angeles Ramsand San Francisco 49ers.
If the game is scheduled for Wednesday, it would mark the first time since 2019 that the NFL's kickoff game didn't feature the defending Super Bowl champion. The league elected to feature theGreen Bay Packersand Chicago Bears to open its 100th season, rather than the defending champion New England Patriots.
Traditionally, the Super Bowl winner hosts the first game of the season on Thursday night after Labor Day, with the remaining teams playing over the weekend.
The schedule announcement is expected to come in mid-May.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL calendar: Season start date, free agency, draft, more
