Indianapolis, January 14, 2026
The NFL has released crucial dates for the upcoming offseason, outlining events critical for teams and fans. Key activities including the NFL Scouting Combine and the NFL Draft promise to engage fans and boost local economies, particularly in Indianapolis. As teams prepare for player movements and training programs, local businesses are gearing up to capitalize on the influx of fans and participants expected throughout this period.
NFL Announces Key Dates for 2026 Offseason
Get ready for an exciting offseason filled with events that shape the future of the NFL
Los Angeles, California – The National Football League (NFL) has unveiled critical dates for the 2026 offseason, offering fans and teams a strategic outline for upcoming months. These dates will facilitate team preparations, player movements, and fan engagement, crucial for fostering enthusiasm and investment in the sport.
As local businesses and entrepreneurs recognize the potential benefits of the NFL’s schedule, Indiana’s economy, particularly Indianapolis, stands to gain from hosting notable events like the NFL Scouting Combine. By reducing red tape and encouraging community involvement, local entrepreneurs could harness the excitement related to these dates to bolster their offerings, further promoting the city as a vibrant hub for sports business.
January 2026
- January 14: Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility.
- January 27: East-West Shrine Bowl at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
- January 31: Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
February 2026
- February 3: Pro Bowl Games at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
- February 8: Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
- February 17: Clubs may begin designating Franchise or Transition Players; this period continues through March 3.
- February 23 – March 2: NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
March 2026
- March 3: Deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
- March 9 – 11: Teams can contact and negotiate with certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 contracts on March 11.
- March 11: The 2026 league year and free agency period begin at 1 p.m. PT; all 2025 player contracts expire at this time, and the trading period for 2026 begins.
- March 29 – April 1: Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.
April 2026
- April 6: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2025 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
- April 17: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
- April 20: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
- April 23 – 25: NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
May 2026
- May 1: Deadline for clubs to exercise fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft.
- May 1 – 4 or May 8 – 11: Clubs may hold one three-day post-draft rookie minicamp on one of these weekends.
- May 13 – 17: NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, California.
- May 19 – 20: Spring League Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
These dates are essential for teams as they plan their offseason activities, including player acquisitions, training programs, and fan events. The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is particularly noteworthy, as it not only showcases incoming talent but also boosts local business through tourism and fan engagement. Retailers, restaurants, and hotels can anticipate increased patrons as football enthusiasts gather in the city.
Key Features of the 2026 NFL Offseason
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 14 | Deadline for college underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility | Nationwide |
| January 27 | East-West Shrine Bowl | Frisco, Texas |
| January 31 | Senior Bowl | Mobile, Alabama |
| February 3 | Pro Bowl Games | San Francisco, California |
| February 8 | Super Bowl LX | Santa Clara, California |
| February 17 – March 3 | Period to designate Franchise or Transition Players | Nationwide |
| February 23 – March 2 | NFL Scouting Combine | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| March 3 | Deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players | Nationwide |
| March 9 – 11 | Period to contact and negotiate with agents of unrestricted free agents | Nationwide |
| March 11 | Start of 2026 league year and free agency period | Nationwide |
| March 29 – April 1 | Annual League Meeting | Phoenix, Arizona |
| April 6 | Start of offseason workout programs for new head coaches | Nationwide |
| April 17 | Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets | Nationwide |
| April 20 | Start of offseason workout programs for returning head coaches | Nationwide |
| April 23 – 25 | NFL Draft | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| May 1 | Deadline to exercise fifth-year options for 2023 first-round picks | Nationwide |
| May 1 – 4 or May 8 – 11 | Post-draft rookie minicamp | Nationwide |
| May 13 – 17 | NFLPA Rookie Premiere | Los Angeles, California |
| May 19 – 20 | Spring League Meeting | Orlando, Florida |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the deadline for college underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility?
The deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility is January 14, 2026.
When does the NFL Scouting Combine take place?
The NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled from February 23 to March 2, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft occur?
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23 to 25, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
When does the 2026 NFL season begin?
The 2026 NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on September 10, 2026, with the NFL Kickoff Game.
When is Super Bowl LX scheduled?
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
