The NFL still has one more game to be played — the biggest game of the season — but for the Denver Broncos and 30 other teams, the 2024 offseason has already begun.
Here are the upcoming key dates that Broncos fans should have circled on their calendars going into the 2024 NFL offseason.
Feb. 3: Senior Bowl (Mobile, Alabama)
The Broncos will have scouts and coaches at the Senior Bowl. The list of quarterbacks participating in this year’s Senior Bowl includes Bo Nix, Michael Penix, Michael Pratt, Spencer Rattler and Joe Milton.
Feb. 4: Pro Bowl (Orlando)
The Broncos will be represented by three players at the Pro Bowl — safety Justin Simmons, cornerback Pat Surtain and returner Marvin Mims.
Feb. 8: NFL Honors (including Hall of Fame class)
The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced during “NFL Honors” on Feb. 8. Former Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar is a senior finalist for this year’s Hall of Fame class.
Feb. 11: Super Bowl LVIII (Las Vegas)
The 49ers will face the Chiefs in this year’s Super Bowl.
Feb. 24: HBCU Legacy Bowl (New Orleans)
The Broncos will be in attendance to scout players at the HBCU Legacy Bowl in late February.
Feb. 27-March 4: NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)
One of the biggest events leading up to the NFL draft, held once again at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Denver’s staff will scout and interview some of the top prospects from this year’s draft class at the combine.
March 5: Deadline to use franchise tag
The Broncos do not have an obvious candidate for the franchise tag this year, but if they wish to use it, the deadline is March 5.
March 7: College pro days begin
The Broncos will have staff members at dozens of pro days this spring to scout prospects from colleges both big and small.
March 11-13: Free agency negotiating window opens
Clubs can begin negotiating contracts with pending free agent players from other teams beginning March 11, but no deals can become official until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 13.
March 13: NFL free agency and trading period begins
Once the new league year begins on March 13, clubs can sign free agents from other teams and complete trades with other teams. A big name to watch for the Broncos this spring will be quarterback Russell Wilson.
April 15: Offseason workouts begin
Clubs with a returning head coach (including the Broncos) can begin their offseason program on April 15.
April 25-27: 2024 NFL draft (Detroit)
The Broncos currently hold six picks in the 2024 NFL draft, but the team would like to acquire more picks via trades this spring.
May 2: Deadline for 5th-year option
The Broncos have until May 2 to pick up Pat Surtain’s fifth-year option. If they exercise the option, Surtain will be paid $18,421,000 in 2025.
May 3-6 or 10-13: Rookie minicamp
After the NFL draft, clubs will be permitted to hold a rookie minicamp between either May 3-6 or 10-13.
May: 2024 NFL scheduled announced
Over the last four years, the NFL has announced its upcoming schedule between May 7-12. Assuming that trend will continue, fans can expect the Broncos’ schedule to be announced in the first or second week of May. We already know the team’s opponents for 2024.
May-June: OTAs and mandatory minicamp
Last year, organized team activities started in late May and wrapped up in early June. The Broncos then held mandatory minicamp from June 13-15. Denver will likely have a similar schedule this summer.
July 15: Extension deadline for franchise-tagged players
Players who receive a franchise tag in the spring have until July 15 to sign a long-term extension with their club. If an extension is not reached before that summer deadline, the player will be locked into a one-year deal for the 2024 season on the franchise tag.
July: Training camp expected to begin
The Broncos typically begin training camp practices in late July, and most practices are open to the public. Last year, Denver announced its training camp schedule on June 27.
August: Preseason and roster cuts
The Broncos will begin preseason games in August with roster cuts set to start later in the month. Last year, Denver’s preseason schedule was finalized in May and roster cuts started in August with 53-man rosters due by Aug. 29. This year’s timeline will likely be similar.
September: Regular season begins
Before you know it, the 2024 NFL season will be here!
