Paul Bretl
June 27, 2024 12:59 pm ET
The new NFL league year began back in March when free agency opened, but with training camp now just a few weeks away for each team, it truly feels like the 2024 season is almost here.
In addition to when and where each game takes place throughout the season, there are a number of other important dates to know about during the league year, most notably, when 53-man rosters have to be set and when the trade deadline is, which this year will occur after Week 9, a week later than in 2023.
Here is a full rundown of the need-to-know dates for the upcoming 2024-2025 NFL season:
Dates are subject to change.
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July 15
At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one year contract with his prior club for the 2024 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.
Mid-July
At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one year contract with his prior club for the 2024 season, and such contract cannot be extended until
after the club’s last regular season game.
July 22
At 4:00 p.m., New York time, signing period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.
August 1
Hall of Fame Game, Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears, Canton, Ohio
August 6
If a drafted rookie has not signed with his club by this date, he cannot be traded to any other club in 2024 and may sign a player contract only with the drafting club until the day of the Draft in the 2025 league year.
August 8-11
First Preseason Weekend.
August 15-18
August 22-25
Third Preseason Weekend.
August 27
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
August 28
Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at 12:00 noon, New York time.
September 1
Final day of preseason training camp for all clubs, as defined in CBA Article 23, Section 10.
September 2-7
Each club is required to file a Practice Report with the NFL Communications department by 4:00 p.m., New York time, (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice).
September 5-6, 8-9
Kickoff Weekend presented by YouTube TV.
September 6
NFL International Game at Corinthians Arena (São Paulo, Brazil)
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
September 27, 30, October 1
Beginning on the day after a club’s fourth regular season game (including any bye week), it is permitted to begin practicing players on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform and Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness (if the player failed his preseason physical due to a nonfootball injury or illness) for a period not to exceed 21 days.
October 6
NFL International Game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, United Kingdom) New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings
October 13
NFL International Game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, United Kingdom) Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears
October 15-16
Fall League Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia.
October 20
NFL International Game at Wembley Stadium (London, United Kingdom)
New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
November 5
All trading ends for 2024 at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
November 6
Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons are subject to the waiver system for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.
November 10
NFL International Game at Allianz Arena – Home of FC Bayern Munich (Munich, Germany) New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers
November 12
At 4:00 p.m., New York time, signing period ends for Franchise Players who are eligible to receive offer sheets.
January 4-5
Week 18.
January 6
Clubs may begin signing free agent players for the 2024 season, including players from the CFL.
January 8
Beginning at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Wednesday following the final regular season weekend, rosters are frozen for clubs participating in the postseason with limited exceptions.
January 11-13
Super Wild Card Weekend presented by Verizon.
Mid-January
Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility.
January 18-19
Divisional Playoffs presented by Intuit TurboTax.
January 26
AFC and NFC Championship Games presented by Intuit TurboTax.
January 30
East-West Shrine Bowl.
February 1
Senior Bowl, Mobile, Alabama
February 2
Pro Bowl Games.
February 9
Super Bowl LIX, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
February 18
Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 4, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.
February 24-March 3
NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
March 4
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 10-12
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 2024 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.
March 12
The 2025 league year and free agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 30-April 2
Annual League Meeting, Palm Beach, Florida.
April 7
Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2024 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 16
Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.
April 18
Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 21
Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 23
Deadline for prior club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.
April 24-26
NFL Draft, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
May 1
Deadline for clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.
May 2-5 or May 9-12
Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.
May 12
Rookie Football Development Programs begin
May 20-21
Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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