Key 2025 NFL offseason dates include free agency start, NFL draft, and training camp, shaping team rosters for success.

The NFL offseason is one of the most critical times for teams to reshape their rosters, build for the future, and set their sights on a Super Bowl championship. For general managers, coaches, and players, the offseason can be just as important as the regular season when it comes to shaping the future success of a team. From free agency to the NFL Draft, there are several key dates and events in the offseason that will define how teams prepare for the upcoming season. In 2025, these dates are especially crucial, as teams look to bounce back from disappointing seasons, secure future stars, and make significant roster changes.

In this article, we’ll break down the key NFL offseason dates for 2025, explaining their importance and the strategic moves that teams will make during these critical times.

1. NFL Scouting Combine: Late February – Early March

The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event that takes place in Indianapolis and serves as a showcase for draft prospects. It is where college players eligible for the NFL Draft participate in physical drills, interviews, and psychological evaluations. For NFL teams, it’s an essential part of their draft preparation, as it provides an opportunity to see top prospects compete against each other, get a close look at their athleticism, and gauge their mental toughness.

In 2025, the NFL Scouting Combine will likely take place in late February or early March, serving as the first step in the evaluation process for teams looking to find the next generation of stars. Teams use the combine to scout talent, verify physical measurements (like 40-yard dash times, vertical jumps, and bench press reps), and engage in interviews to assess players’ character and football IQ.

For general managers, coaches, and scouts, the combine represents a chance to see how prospects handle high-pressure situations and gather data that will factor into their decision-making when it comes to selecting players in the upcoming draft. The results from the combine often influence how prospects are ranked on team draft boards, so teams will be closely watching the event for potential steals and hidden gems.

2. Start of NFL Free Agency: March 10, 2025

NFL free agency is one of the most exciting and chaotic periods of the offseason, and the 2025 free-agent period will be no different. It officially kicks off on March 10, 2025, when teams are able to begin negotiating with free agents and signing them to contracts. Teams will be looking to make moves to fill critical gaps in their rosters, whether it’s adding a star pass rusher, securing a wide receiver, or shoring up a shaky offensive line.

Free agency can be a game-changer for teams looking to improve quickly. The 2025 free-agent class will include a number of notable players at various positions, and teams with cap space will be eager to secure high-level talent to address weaknesses or upgrade their starting lineup. For franchises that are in “win-now” mode, this period is crucial, as it allows them to quickly get a boost in talent to immediately improve their chances of competing for a championship.

Some teams will focus on locking up their own players who are set to hit free agency, while others will aim to bring in big-name free agents from other teams. Expect the 2025 free-agent market to be packed with drama, speculation, and significant moves that can transform rosters overnight.

For the Ravens, Dolphins, Bears, and other teams that are currently in rebuilding phases, this is the time to make strategic signings to fill holes in their rosters. Meanwhile, contending teams, like the Chiefs and Eagles, may look to bolster their positions by signing veteran players who can provide depth and experience.

Key dates to keep in mind within free agency include:

• March 10, 2025: The official start of free agency. Teams can begin to sign players at 4:00 PM ET.
• March 15-17, 2025: The legal tampering period begins, allowing teams to negotiate with players before the official signing date.

3. NFL Draft: April 24-26, 2025

The NFL Draft is the single most anticipated event of the offseason. For fans, it’s the time when the future stars of the league are introduced, and for teams, it’s the opportunity to add young talent to their roster. The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams that are hoping to improve their rosters with high-quality rookies.

The draft is often seen as a way to fill out a roster for the future, but it can also provide immediate help to teams in need. Teams with high draft picks, like those finishing at the bottom of the standings, will have the chance to select franchise-changing players, while contending teams can use lower picks to find depth or add to their already talented rosters. The 2025 draft class will feature a wide range of talent, including quarterbacks, defensive linemen, and wide receivers.

As usual, the NFL Draft will include seven rounds of selections. The top players in the draft, such as quarterbacks, wide receivers, and edge rushers, will likely go early, but there will also be hidden gems that can be found later in the draft. Teams will spend the weeks leading up to the draft carefully preparing their draft boards, analyzing college tape, and attending pro days to finalize their decisions.

The NFL Draft is a major event in the offseason calendar, with fans eagerly awaiting which players will land in their team’s colors. For front offices, it’s a balancing act between drafting for need, finding the best available talent, and securing the long-term health of their roster.

4. NFL Trade Deadline: October 28, 2025

While the NFL trade deadline typically takes place in the middle of the regular season, it’s important for teams to plan ahead for potential trades during the offseason as well. The 2025 offseason will give teams time to assess their roster needs and prepare for trade opportunities that may arise later in the season.

The NFL trade deadline will be on October 28, 2025, and it’s a key date for teams that may want to make mid-season roster changes to help their playoff chances. Some teams may look to trade for an impact player who can help them push for a Super Bowl, while others may look to move veterans and start preparing for the future. It’s a strategic period for teams in both win-now and rebuild modes.

While the offseason isn’t as active for trades as the regular season, some teams could decide to make bold moves by trading players to bolster their rosters. This could be especially important for teams that want to add depth or need to address a particular weakness as they head into the regular season.

5. Organized Team Activities (OTAs): May 2025

OTAs are voluntary workout sessions where players can begin to familiarize themselves with their team’s playbook, coaching staff, and new teammates. While they’re voluntary, OTAs are crucial for building chemistry and getting a head start on the season. Teams will typically begin their OTAs in May, where they can run through drills, review their schemes, and begin to prepare for the coming season.

For rookie players, OTAs are particularly important as they adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. For veterans, OTAs provide a chance to work with new teammates, refine their technique, and get back into football shape after the offseason. OTAs can be especially crucial for teams with new coaching staffs, as these sessions allow them to implement their offensive and defensive systems before the official start of training camp.

While OTAs are less structured than training camp, they offer teams the chance to begin building momentum toward the season. Additionally, the workouts provide coaches with an early opportunity to evaluate new players and tweak their strategies.

6. NFL Training Camp: July 2025

NFL training camps are arguably the most intense part of the offseason, as they mark the official beginning of preparations for the upcoming season. Training camp typically begins in late July and lasts through August, and it’s where teams finalize their rosters, make important evaluations, and begin the work of building a championship-caliber team.

Training camp is a time for rookies and veterans alike to prove themselves, as roster spots are up for grabs. Competition at key positions is fierce, and players will be looking to earn their place on the team or even secure a starting role. Teams will hold padded practices, scrimmages, and preseason games to get their players into game shape.

The end of training camp often culminates in roster cuts, where teams reduce their roster size to the regular season limit of 53 players. During this period, some players will be waived, traded, or moved to the practice squad. For fans, training camp is a great time to keep an eye on emerging talent and potential surprises for the upcoming season.

7. Start of the NFL Regular Season: September 4, 2025

After months of preparation and anticipation, the official start of the NFL regular season kicks off on September 4, 2025. It’s the culmination of all the offseason moves, from free-agent signings to the draft and training camp. By this point, teams will have their rosters set, and the focus shifts to the competition on the field.

The first week of the regular season brings excitement, optimism, and uncertainty for teams and fans alike. With the full roster in place, every team will now be trying to establish its identity, with every game carrying significant weight for playoff positioning and seeding.