The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, meaning it’s officially the offseason for all 32 NFL teams. The Washington Commanders have been in offseason mode for a month, making multiple coaching changes, including naming new offensive and defensive coordinators.
Free agency is only a month away, and teams are currently evaluating which of their own free agents to retain or allow to test the open market. NFL draft preparation is underway, too, as NFL teams recently spent a week in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl.
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With the NFL offseason now officially underway, let’s look at some important dates to know over the next several months before training camp begins in July.
Feb. 17-March 3: Window for teams to use franchise/transition tag
Teams can begin applying the franchise or transition tag to free agents. Each team has until March 3 to apply the tag. The Commanders have no franchise or transition tag candidates in 2026.
Feb. 23-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis, where draft prospects will meet with teams, and some will go through full on-field workouts.
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March 9-11: Legal negotiating period of free agency
Teams can begin negotiating with free agents from other teams during this period and agree to contractual terms. However, a deal cannot be signed until the start of the new league year on March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
March 11: New league year begins
The new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, and free agents are officially eligible to sign with other teams. All trades agreed to before March 11 become official on March 11.
March 29-April 1: Annual league meeting
On March 29, all NFL owners and top executives meet in Phoenix to discuss league business.
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April 15: Deadline for teams to bring in draft prospects for visits
This is the deadline for NFL teams to time, test, visit, or interview prospects at their facilities. Every team is allowed 30 visits.
April 17: Restricted free agent deadline
This is the last day for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 20: Clubs with returning head coaches can begin offseason workout programs
The Commanders can officially begin offseason workouts on April 20. Teams with new head coaches can begin two weeks earlier.
April 23-25: 2026 NFL Draft
This year’s three-day event takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the first time.
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May 1: Deadline for teams to exercise 5th-year option on 2023 draft picks
The Commanders have no decisions to make, as their 2023 first-round pick, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, was released midway through the 2024 season. The Los Angeles Rams claimed Forbes off waivers and must decide whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2027.
May 1-4 or 8-11: Clubs may hold three-day rookie minicamp
The Commanders can schedule their rookie minicamp for the first weekend of May or the following weekend.
May 13-17: NFLPA Rookie Premiere
The NFLPA Rookie Premiere began in 1994 and takes place in Los Angeles. More than 40 rookies will attend to learn about the business side of the league and gain access to the NFLPA’s partners for brand-building and financial education. There will also be opportunities for the rookies to take their first photos in their jerseys for their trading cards.
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May 19-20: Spring league meeting in Orlando
The spring meeting is where we often hear of potential rule changes for the following the season.
July 15: Deadline for teams to sign franchise players to contract extension
This is the last day teams can negotiate with tagged players on potential contract extensions. If no extension is reached by this deadline, the player must play on the franchise or transition tag for the season.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Important dates to know for 2026 NFL offseason