2026-27 NFL Season: Key Dates and Draft Combine Schedule

The NFL is gearing up for an exciting 2026-27 season, which promises significant events and dates for fans and teams alike. Following the recent conclusion of the Super Bowl, critical preseason activities are set to unfold. Here’s a detailed overview of key dates throughout the upcoming NFL schedule, including the draft and free agency activities.

NFL Offseason Key Dates

Here’s a comprehensive list of important dates for the NFL offseason:

• February
• Feb. 17: Teams can begin to designate Franchise or Transition Players (until March 3).
• Feb. 23 – March 2: NFL Scouting Combine held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
• March
• March 3: Deadline for designating Franchise or Transition Players (4 p.m. ET).
• March 9-11: Legal tampering period for teams to contact pending unrestricted free agents.
• March 11: 2026 League Year starts; free agency signing period opens (4 p.m. ET).
• March 29 – April 1: Annual League Meeting takes place in Phoenix, AZ.
• April
• April 15: Deadline for teams to conduct interviews and physicals with eligible draft players.
• April 17: Restricted free agents can sign offer sheets until this date.
• April 20: Offseason workout programs begin for clubs with returning head coaches.
• April 23-25: 2026 NFL Draft conducted in Pittsburgh, PA.
• May
• May 1: Deadline for clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for first-round 2023 draft picks.
• May 1-4 or May 8-11: Post-Draft rookie minicamps allowed.
• May 13 (expected): Release date for the 2026 NFL Schedule.
• July
• Mid-July: Rookie training camps begin (seven days ahead of veterans).
• July 15: Deadline for franchise tag players to sign extensions (4 p.m. ET).
• Mid-to-late July: Veteran training camps commence.
• August
• Aug. 31: Rosters must be trimmed to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET.
• September
• Sept. 10: NFL Kickoff Game to start the regular season.

2026 NFL Draft Details

The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, with expectations that Fernando Mendoza may be chosen first. The draft schedule is as follows:

• Round 1: Thursday, April 23
• Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24
• Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25

Training Camps and Preseason Schedule

NFL training camps are expected to kick off in mid-to-late July. Rookies generally report a week before veteran players. The preseason is set to begin in early August, highlighted by the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6.

Key Dates for the 2026-27 NFL Season

• Regular season kickoff: Sept. 10, 2026
• Thanksgiving games: Nov. 26, 2026
• Christmas games: Dec. 25, 2026
• Playoffs start: Jan. 16, 2027
• Super Bowl 61: Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

The 2026-27 NFL season is poised to deliver a thrilling schedule filled with action. Mark your calendars for these significant dates, as fans and teams prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable season ahead.