The NFL offseason may feel a lot shorter than it actually is due to the fact that it’s packed with key dates that shape the upcoming season. From free agency to training camp and finally, the regular season kickoff, every milestone plays a role in building championship contenders. Below is a breakdown of the most significant events leading up to Super Bowl LX.
Free Agency and the New League Year Begin
NFL teams waste no time preparing for the next season. The new league year officially begins on March 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET, triggering a frenzy of roster moves. Free agency opens at the same time, and within hours, top players will be signing deals that reshape the league’s competitive balance.
The days leading up to free agency are just as eventful. The legal tampering period (March 10-12) allows teams to negotiate with unrestricted free agents, setting the stage for rapid-fire announcements once contracts can officially be signed. This is when NFL team news dominates headlines, with insiders reporting on potential deals, surprise trades, and last-minute contract disputes. Fans stay glued to updates, eager to see how their teams are shaping up for the season ahead.
2025 NFL Draft
One of the biggest events of the offseason, the NFL Draft, takes place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This is where franchises secure their future stars, with months of scouting and speculation finally culminating in a three-day spectacle.
Teams have until April 16 to hold private workouts and evaluations for draft prospects. The final countdown includes key deadlines:
● April 18 – Last day for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
● April 23 – Prior teams must decide whether to match offer sheets signed by their restricted free agents.
Once the draft ends, teams quickly shift to signing undrafted free agents and organizing rookie minicamps in early May.
Offseason Workouts and Rookie Development
Offseason workouts provide returning and new players with a chance to get acclimated.
● April 7 – Franchises that have hired a new head coach following the 2024 season are permitted to begin their offseason workout programs ahead of other teams.
● April 21 – Teams retaining their head coach from the previous season can officially start their offseason training programs.
Rookie minicamps take place shortly after the draft, between May 2-5 or May 9-12. These allow teams to assess new talent before training camp. Meanwhile, rookie development programs begin on May 12, helping players transition to professional football.
Franchise Tag and Contract Deadlines
As teams finalize their rosters, they also make crucial contract decisions:
● May 1 – The deadline for teams to exercise the fifth-year option for players drafted in the first round of 2022.
● July 15 – The last day for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to multi-year deals. After this, those players can only sign a one-year contract.
Restricted free agents also face deadlines:
● June 1 – The deadline for teams to extend qualifying offers to retain negotiating rights.
● June 15 – Teams can reduce tendered contracts if players remain unsigned.
Training Camp and Preseason
Training camp marks the first official step toward the new season.
● Mid-July – Rookies report to training camp.
● Veteran quarterbacks and injured players can be required to report five days before the full squad.
● July 21 – The last day for transition players and certain free agents to sign new deals before the regular season.
Teams typically hold joint practices before the preseason begins in early August. While exhibition games may not count, they serve as crucial evaluation periods for rookies and players fighting for roster spots.
2025 NFL Regular Season
The wait ends on September 4, 2025, when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host the NFL Kickoff Game. Over the next 18 weeks, teams will battle for a playoff spot, with the regular season concluding on January 4, 2026.
Playoffs and Super Bowl LX
The road to the Lombardi Trophy officially begins on January 10, 2026, with Wild Card Weekend. The postseason is where teams prove whether their regular-season dominance can translate into championship success. Every game carries immense stakes, and unexpected upsets often define the journey to the final showdown.
For fans, the playoffs aren’t just about watching great football—they’re about analyzing matchups, predicting outcomes, and debating which teams have the best shot at the title. That’s especially true when it comes to betting on the Superbowl, where every factor—from quarterback experience to defensive matchups—can influence decisions. With Super Bowl LX set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, bettors and analysts alike will be weighing the odds long before the two finalists are even determined.
Mark Your Calendar
The NFL season is more than just game days—it’s a year-round process of building, strategizing, and preparing for the ultimate goal. From free agency to the draft, training camps, and the playoffs, every event plays a role in shaping the league. As teams get to work, fans can mark their calendars and anticipate another thrilling season of football.
Important Dates for The 2025 NFL Playoffs
