The 2016 season may be over as a Super Bowl Champion has been crowned, but this is the NFL and there is never time to sleep!
NFL general managers have already been working hard to determine what their priorities will be this offseason, including deciding which free agents to re-sign, which free agents would be a good fit for their team, and which players they should target in the 2017 NFL Draft.
As fans of the Detroit Lions, it’s great to know the most important dates this offseason, so here ya go!
February 28 – March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine
The 2017Â NFL Scouting Combine will be held in Indianapolis. This is an opportunity for players to improve their stock in the eyes of NFL scouts by posting great numbers in events such as the 40-yard dash.
March 9 – Free Agency
The 2017 league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET. At that time, NFL teams may begin signing free agents from around the league. Though Bob Quinn has how he feels the way to build a team is through the draft, you can bet he will bring in a few free agents prior to the 2017 season.
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March 26- March 29 – Final NFL Draft Order Determined
The NFL Annual Meetings will be held in Phoenix and during that time, compensatory picks will be awarded and the final NFL Draft order will be determined.
April 13 – Detroit Lions Reveal New Uniforms
The Detroit Lions have announced that they will be revealing their four new jerseys on this day. Click here to check out the new logo.
Mid-April – NFL Schedule Released
The Detroit Lions 2017 opponents have already been revealed, but sometime in mid-April, the actual week-by-week schedule will be announced by the NFL. This is also when we will find out if the Lions get any prime time games and who they will play on Thanksgiving Day. Click here to see our Detroit Lions Way Too Early Game By Game Predictions.
April 27 – April 29 – NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft, which will be held in Philadelphia, begins on April 27th and will feature the entire first round. Rounds 2-3 will be held on April 28th and rounds 4-7 will take place on April 28th.
Click here to check out our Perfect Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Every Pick Revealed.
Mid-July – Training Camp Begins
Sometime in mid-July, the Detroit Lions will begin Training Camp. Any rookies may begin practicing seven days before the veterans.
August 3 – August 13 – Preseason Games Begin
On August 3rd, the Hall of Fame game will take place. All other preseason games will begin taking place after that.
September 7 – 2017 NFL Regular Season Begins
The 2017 NFL regular season will kick off on Thursday, September 7th.
