Nfl Combine: 2026 Offseason Briefing — Coaches, GMs, Viewing Plans and Panthers' Key Dates

The 2026 Nfl Combine is the first official event of the offseason, and it arrives as the franchise tag window remains open until March 3 and the legal negotiation period for free agency begins March 9 — milestones that make Indianapolis a critical stop for teams shaping the months ahead. Front-office executives, coaches and scouts are in Indianapolis to evaluate prospects; on-field workouts begin Thursday and run through Sunday, and the week already produced notable coach and general manager comments that matter for roster planning.

Nfl Combine schedule and what to watch in Indianapolis

The Scouting Combine takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, with more than 300 draft prospects participating. On-field workouts run Thursday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 1. Over four days, prospects will take part in team interviews, medical evaluations and position-specific on-field workouts in front of general managers, coaches and scouts.

The top prospects will take the field starting Thursday, Feb. 26 and will go through cone drills, position drills and testing drills such as the vertical jump, broad jump and the 40-yard dash. On Tuesday, coaches and general managers spoke to reporters while teams prepare for the April draft and the approaching free-agency window.

Viewing plans and live coverage timing

Live coverage of on-field drills is scheduled to begin at 12 p. m. PT on Thursday, Feb. 26 and continue through Sunday, March 1. Coverage will include live press conferences, insider analysis and full drill coverage on connected TV and mobile devices; multiple national broadcast and streaming partners will carry various elements of the week. Results from on-field drills and press-conference highlights will be tracked by team outlets and combine coverage feeds throughout the event.

Key figures and messages from coaches and GMs

Coaches and GMs used Tuesday's podium sessions to preview free agency, the draft and next season. Kevin Stefanski joined The Rich Eisen Show and laid out his mindset going into his first season as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (2: 55). Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales both addressed the media on Tuesday as well, discussing roster needs and how the upcoming draft might fill open spots.

Panthers-specific dates, priorities and roster notes

The Panthers have a packed Indianapolis agenda. GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales will speak from the podium on Tuesday, February 24 around 1pm and 2pm. Prospects begin podium interviews on Wednesday and continue by position through Saturday; each prospect typically spends between 10 and 20 minutes at the podium to discuss background, fit and prior or upcoming meetings with clubs.

• Dan Morgan said the Panthers' draft board already had 600 players listed at the end of the season.
• The Panthers won the NFC South for the first time in 10 years this past season; the GM and coach use Tuesday to review last season and identify roster holes.
• Panthers topics covered on Tuesday included the future of left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the search for pass-rushers (possibly plural), quarterbacks, and other roster needs; Morgan said he would not rule out any avenue while placing a high premium on upgrading his old position in any way possible.
• Canales announced a change in play-calling duties on Tuesday, saying the move would allow him to take a broader view of the team. That change will have Brad Idzik taking over play calling.
• Canales addressed Bryce Young's growth, what he wants to see from Xavier Legette, Dom Capers' impact as he moves on, and additional topics tied to the Panthers' offseason plan.

Top prospects and position highlights at the combine

Several of college football's most recognizable names are scheduled to participate in combine workouts. Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is among the headliners, though he is not expected to throw during on-field drills. Other quarterbacks mentioned for workouts include Ty Simpson (Alabama), Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) and Carson Beck (Miami).

On the defensive side, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs are among the defensive headliners, with edge rushers David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) noted as key figures to watch. Team interviews, medical checks and position-workout evaluations will shape how clubs move on prospect lists ahead of April.

Additional notes from the combine week

• The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Prospect podium windows are staggered by position; a sample media schedule lists 10–11 a. m. for Defensive Line and Placekickers, and 10: 30–11: 30 a. m. for Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers.
• Prospects will meet with teams in interviews, be asked to break down plays, and be seen up close in on-field workouts; teams that previously met prospects at January all-star events will continue that dialogue in Indianapolis.
• Organizational and off-field items surfaced during the week: Lowe's becomes the official stadium renovation partner of Bank of America Stadium; an anecdotal moment had Luke Kuechly insisting they call it "JJ and Luke, " and commentary noted that the Hall of Famer and the long-serving long snapper have plenty to discuss. One fragment in the available notes reads, "The Panthers found themselves a kick, " unclear in the provided context.

This combine week is a nexus of evaluation, conversation and decision-making: the franchise tag and free-agency windows press urgency, coaching and personnel moves are being clarified, and more than 300 prospects will submit measurable evidence that can move them up or down team draft boards.