The 2021 season hasn’t even begun yet but the NFL and NFLPA have already agreed upon some of the most important dates on the 2022 offseason calendar.
The dates were revealed in a memo sent by the NFLPA to the agents of players, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelisero. Here’s the rundown:
- Franchise/Transition Designation Period: February 22 through March 8
- 2021 League Year Ends: March 16 at 3:59:59 p.m. ET
- 2022 League Year Begins: March 16 at 4 p.m. ET
- Start of Offseason workouts (with new head coach): April 4
- Start of Offseason workouts (all other teams): April 18
- Last Day of Restricted Free Agent Signing Period: April 22
- Last Day to match Offer Sheets for Restricted Free Agents: April 27
- 2022 College Draft: April 28 to April 30
The NFLPA sent this notice to agents with 2022 calendar dates, including the start of the free-agent signing period March 16. pic.twitter.com/3RIhn6Wqnf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021
The 2022 league year will begin on March 16 at 4 p.m. ET, one second after the 2021 league year ends. This is the official start of free agency when players can begin signing contracts, although we know many deals are reported during the legal tampering period in the days prior.
The Tennessee Titans will begin their 2022 offseason workouts on April 18 barring head coach Mike Vrabel finding a way to get fired (that won’t happen).
The period to sign restricted free agents ends on April 22, and teams have another five days after that to match any offer sheets their respective restricted free agents have signed with other teams.
Last but not least, the 2022 NFL draft, which is set to take place in Las Vegas, will run for three days from April 28 to 30.
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