As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fans and teams alike are gearing up for a series of pivotal dates. These dates mark important milestones, from player movements to offseason workouts and the eagerly anticipated NFL Draft. Below, we break down the key dates that will shape the season.
Window to Tag Franchise and Transition Players: Feb. 18 to March 4
The window to tag franchise and transition players opens on February 18 and runs through March 4. During this time, teams can designate specific players for the franchise tag, ensuring they stay with the team for at least the upcoming season. The transition tag, on the other hand, allows teams to match any offer a player receives in free agency.
Legal Tampering Period Begins: March 10
On March 10, the legal tampering period begins. This is the time when teams can start negotiating with the agents of upcoming free agents. While agreements can be made, no contracts are officially signed until the new league year begins.
Start of the New League Year and Free Agency: March 12
March 12 marks the start of the new league year and the beginning of free agency. This is the moment when teams can officially sign free agents and make trades. It's a crucial time for teams to strengthen their rosters and address any gaps from the previous season.
Offseason Workouts Begin: April 7 and April 21
For teams with new head coaches, offseason workouts begin on April 7. These workouts are vital for new coaching staffs to implement their systems and evaluate the talent on their rosters. Teams with returning head coaches will start their workouts on April 21. These sessions are equally important for refining strategies and preparing for the season ahead.
2025 NFL Draft: April 24-26
One of the most exciting events of the offseason is the NFL Draft. Slated to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, the draft is where teams select the top college talent. These new additions have the potential to become the future stars of the league. Fans eagerly watch to see which players will bolster their favorite teams.
Player Designations
Player designations are a strategic aspect of managing a team's roster throughout the season. Here are the rules and limitations for designating players:
Regular Season Designations
Each team can designate a maximum of eight players to return from certain roster lists during the regular season. These lists typically include injured reserve (IR) or other similar statuses. Allowing players to return gives teams flexibility in managing injuries and roster depth.
Postseason Designations
An additional two players can be designated to return during the postseason. This rule gives teams the ability to bring back key players for crucial playoff games, which can make a significant difference in the pursuit of a championship.
Frequency of Designations
Each player can be designated to return a maximum of two times. It's important to note that every designation counts against the team's total allowance. Teams must carefully decide which players to designate, balancing the immediate need for their return with the long-term strategy of the season.
Quotes
The NFL calendar is packed with events that keep fans and teams on their toes. As one insider noted, "Usually, the first day of the legal tampering period is one of the busiest days on the NFL calendar." This period sets the stage for many of the moves that will define the upcoming season.
Another telling quote highlights the narrow window between the Super Bowl and the start of player tagging: "This year's Super Bowl, for instance, will be played on Sunday, Feb. 9, a mere nine days before teams can start applying tags on players." This tight schedule underscores the nonstop nature of the NFL off-season and the strategic planning required by teams to stay competitive.
As we approach these key dates, excitement is building across the league. Teams are preparing their strategies, and fans are eagerly anticipating the player movements and drafts that will shape the season. Stay tuned for what promises to be another thrilling NFL year.
