Analysis
2/13/23
2 min read
2023 NFL Off-Season Key Dates
Key dates prior to the start of the 2023 season, scheduled for Sept. 7:
February
Feb. 21-March 7: Teams can use the franchise or transition tag on impending unrestricted free agents.
Feb. 28-March 6: Scouting Combine, Indianapolis
READ: All college players invited to the combine
March
March 7: Colleges can begin hosting pro days.
March 13 (noon EST) through March 15 (3:59 p.m. EST): Clubs may enter contract negotiations with impending unrestricted free agents. Contracts may not be executed until the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. on March 15.
March 15 (prior to 4 p.m. EST): Clubs must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents. If a qualifying offer is not extended, those players will become unrestricted free agents at the start of the new league year.
March 15 (prior to 4 p.m.): All teams must be under the 2023 salary cap.
March 15 (4 p.m.): The 2023 NFL league year begins. Unrestricted free agent contracts and trades agreed to prior to the start of the new league year can be executed.
READ: Free Agency Tracker
March 26-29: Annual League Meeting, Phoenix
April
April 3: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the 2022 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 17: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs, which will include 10 OTA days and one mandatory minicamp.
April 21: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 26: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents.
April 27: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls), or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.
April 27-29: NFL Draft, Kansas City, Mo.
READ: The 33rd Team Mock Draft 3.2
May
May 1: Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2020 Draft.
May 5-8 or May 12-15: Clubs may hold a three-day rookie minicamp in either time period.
