What is the story about?
The 2025 NFL season still has a month of regular-season games and the postseason left to play, but many teams are already looking ahead to the 2026 offseason. Two weeks ago, the Cleveland Browns had an eight percent chance to make the NFL playoffs if they won the rest of their games. After their Week 14 loss, the Browns can still tie for the best record in the AFC North
but have been eliminated from playoff contention.Nine teams have already turned their attention to the 2026 NFL draft order and
NFL free agency. Our latest Cleveland mock draft assumes the team would be building around QB Sheduer Sanders in the 2026 offseason.
Now we know the official dates of when things will happen in 2026:
- February 17: Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 3, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.
- February 23-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
- March 9-11: During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 9 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 11, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.
- March 11: The 2026 League Year and free agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time. Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2025
- April 6: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2025 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
- April 15: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.
- April 20: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
- April 23-25: NFL Draft, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
