On Tuesday, the NFL announced its important dates for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Here, via NFL Communications, are the most notable events that were included.
Cutdown to 53-man roster (Aug. 29)
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
Players who are on the Reserve List or Exempt List and are not counting against the 90-player limit will begin to count against the 90-player limit.
Trade deadline (Oct. 31)
All trading ends for 2023 at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
Postseason (Starting Jan. 13)
- Wild Card Games: Jan. 13 to Jan. 15
- Divisional Games: Jan. 20 to Jan. 21
- Conference Championship Games: Jan. 28
- Pro Bowl Games: Feb. 4
- Super Bowl LVIII: Feb. 11
NFL Scouting Combine (Starting Feb. 27)
Feb. 27 to March 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Franchise tag deadline (March 5)
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
Legal tampering period (Starting March 11)
During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 11 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13, 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 2023 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.
During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor (“Unrepresented Player”) is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials (excluding the head coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player’s status as an Unrepresented Player.
No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.
New League Year (March 13)
The 2024 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
Trading period for 2024 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2023 contracts.
The first day of the 2024 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13.
NFL Draft (Starting April 25)
April 25 to April 27 in Detroit, Mich.
