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Key dates for 2025 NFL offseason
Here are the key dates to keep in mind during the 2025 NFL offseason…
Feb. 18: TEAMS CAN BEGIN USING FRANCHISE/TRANSIONTAL TAGS
Starting Feb. 18 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. 24-March 3: NFL SCOUTING COMBINE
The scouting combine brings the entire NFL universe to Indianapolis, giving them a chance to not only see the top draft prospects up close and in person, including meeting with the players, but it's also where a lot of trades get their roots, as GMs mingle and talk about potential deals.March 4: DEADLINE FOR FRANCHISE TAG DESIGNATIONS
Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to designate their franchise players.March 10-12: FREE AGENCY BEGINS
Starting March 10 at 4 p.m., 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 12, 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 30-APRIL 2: ANNUAL LEAGUE MEETING
All 32 owners gather together in Palm Beach, Fla. to discuss possible rule changes and much more.APRIL 7: 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 7. Teams with returning head coaches can begin their offseason programs on April 21.APRIL 18: DEADLINE FOR RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Players who are restricted free agents have until April 18 to sign offer sheets from their teams. However, teams have an April 23 deadline to refuse the offer sheets.APRIL 24-26: NFL DRAFT
All eyes will be on Green Bay, Wisc. for the 2025 NFL Draft.The Giants hold the No. 3 pick in the first round, while the Jets will be selecting seventh overall (barring either team making a trade). Both New York teams could have a need quarterback, and with Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward currently considered the only two blue-chip QB prospects, it will be worth watching to see if either teams makes a move to trade up to select one of those two.
