It might seem like the 2024 NFL season has only just finished. But the 2025 season is just around the corner. So, let’s take a look at some important dates for 2025.
Looking at these dates, it’s clear that the 2025 NFL is going to be an exciting one. There has already been a lot of excitement around the league, as well as some expert predictions. You can already view the betting odds surrounding the league, with markets for the NFL Draft available at BetMGM. You can find a review here and instructions on how to use the bonus codes from Covers.com. These promo codes can be used during sign-up and include a first bet offer. While it’s still very early, some bookmakers are already providing betting odds and have revealed some early favorites to win, including Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens for the Super Bowl win. The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Championship and Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions for the NFC Championship.
Now, let’s dive into a more detailed breakdown of these important events.
This is where franchise designations and free agency begin. A team had to designate their franchise or transition players by March 4 at 4:00 pm (all NFL deadlines are set to New York time). On March 10, the negotiation period begins. This began at noon on March 10 and ended at 3:59:59 pm on March 12. This was when clubs had to make important decisions. During this time, players who became free agents when their 2024 contracts expired and were unrepresented (by the NFLPA Certified Contract Advisors) were allowed to directly communicate with a new team’s front office staff (apart from any coaching personnel) to discuss contract terms. A team had to verify a player’s status to ensure they were unrepresented.
On March 12 at 4 pm, all 2024 contracts expired, and the free agency signing period began. This was the first official day of the 2025 league, and all transactions had to be submitted to the league office before midnight on March 12. And finally, March 30 sees the Annual League Meeting taking place at the Breaks, Palm Beach, Florida. This is where team owners, executives, and coaches come together to discuss the league’s operations both on the field and off. The meeting this year starts on March 30 and ends on April 2.
This is an exciting month, with the NFL draft very quickly approaching. On April 7, offseason workout programs can begin for any club that’s hired new Head Coaches after the 2024 regular season. However, the remaining clubs must wait until April 21.
There are a number of deadlines in April, including:
The most important date in April is the NFL Draft. This takes place over a couple of days, beginning on April 24 and ending on April 26. It’s scheduled to take place in Green Bay Wisconsin. This is where teams select eligible college players to join the NFL.
The deadline for clubs to exercise the Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft on May 1. May is also the month when Teams begin welcoming their new players and host their post-draft rookie minicaps. Teams can hold their one three-day post-draft rookie minicamp. Teams have the option to hold this over one of two weeks May 2 – 5 or May 9 – 12. Either Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
May 12 marks the start of the Rookie Football Development Program. This is an initiative led by the NFL to support and prepare players both on and off the field for the first year of their professional careers. It includes the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on May 14. This event is an official welcome to the NFL and allows rookies to engage with the media, sponsors and even fans.
The Spring League meeting also takes place this month on May 20. The meeting is held over two days and sees team owners, executives and league officials come together to discuss and make decisions on various aspects that affect the league. This year it’s being held at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This month is a little quieter and is dedicated more to Restricted Free Agents. This includes two dates:
The Rookie Readiness Program also begins in late June. It’s held at individual clubs. Its focus is to prepare rookies for the NFL experience.
This month is all about getting ready for the 2025 season. July 15 is the deadline for all clubs to sign a player to a multiyear contract. From this date, clubs can only sign up players on a one-year contract, and it can only be extended after the club’s last regular season game.
And then, in mid-July, NFL teams start their summer training camps and can start preparing for the upcoming season. The signing period for transitions ends on July 21.
This is where things get really exciting and fans finally get to see some football. The first match of the season is August 6 with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Games. The following week on August 13, the first full week of preseason games begins.
And after months of preparation, the season finally begins. September 4 is the first game of the season with the NFL Kickoff Game. Followed by the first full week of the regular season beginning on September 10.
All of these dates play an important role in the 2025 NFL season. For fans, keeping up to date with these dates is important. It’s important to remember that some dates could change. So it’s important to keep up to date with the latest news. This is the best way to stay in the know.
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