The 2021 NFL season is officially in the books and it is now time to shift gears to the offseason!
Technically, the new NFL year does not begin until March 16, but even prior to that, there are some important dates to remember if you are a fan of the Detroit Lions.
Here are some of the most important dates for you to remember as the offseason unfolds.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Via NFL:
February 22 – March 8 – Lions can designate players for the franchise tag or transition tag.
| March | |
| Mar. 1-7 | NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana. |
| Mar. 8 | Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players. |
| Mar. 14-16 | During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 14 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 16, 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 2021 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 16. |
| During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor 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. | |
| 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 16. | |
| Mar. 16 | The 2022 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time. |
| The first day of the 2022 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 16. 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 16. | |
| Mar. 16 | Trading period for 2022 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2021 contracts. |
| Mar. 27-30 | Annual League Meeting, The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida. |
| April | |
| April 4 | Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2021 regular season may begin offseason workout programs. |
| April 18 | Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs |
| April 20 | Deadline to bring draft-eligible players to their facilities for a physical examination. |
| April 22 | Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets. |
| April 27 | Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents. |
| April 27 | Deadline to time, test, and interview draft-eligible players. |
| April 28-30 | NFL Draft, Las Vegas, Nevada. |
End of May – OTAs (Organized Team Activities) kick-off
End of July/Beginning of August – Training camp begins (Hard Knocks will likely be there)
