When does NFL free agency start? Key dates to know.
The latest on Jaire Alexander and Day 3 at the NFL Combine
Tom Silverstein joins Dominique Yates for an update on Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander’s future with the team and talks about some of the prospects that addressed the media at the NFL Combine.
The scouting combine has come and gone but the NFL calendar marches on.
NFL free agency is starting soon.
Here’s what to know about some of the upcoming key NFL dates, from the franchise tag deadline to the beginning of free agency and NFL draft:
Franchise tag deadline
Teams have until 3 p.m. March 4 to designate a franchise or transition tag to an upcoming free agent.
The Green Bay Packers haven’t made such a transaction yet.
When does NFL free agency start?
It’s one of the biggest periods of the offseason every year.
It’s where players whose contracts are up can sign new deals with any team. Between 11 a.m. March 10 and 2:59 p.m. March 12, teams can enter into negotiations with unrestricted free agents. The signing period begins at 3 p.m. March 12.
The Packers had two big free-agent signings last year in safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs, though lost running back Aaron Jones in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings. McKinney and Jacobs went on to have Pro Bowl seasons in 2024.
Who are the Packers’ free agents in 2025?
The Packers have 12 unrestricted free agents this offseason:
- Brandon McManus, kicker
- Josh Myers, center
- T.J. Slaton, defensive tackle
- Eric Stokes, cornerback
- Isaiah McDuffie, linebacker (he has re-signed with the Packers on a two-year deal, ESPN first reported Monday)
- Eric Wilson, linebacker
- Zayne Anderson, safety
- AJ Dillon, running back
- Corey Ballentine, cornerback
- Robert Rochell, cornerback
- Andre Dillard, offensive tackle
- Tyler Davis, tight end
When can teams trade players in 2025?
The trading period begins at 3 p.m. March 12 after all of the 2024 contracts expire.
When is the NFL owners meetings?
The annual league meeting, held between the free agency period and NFL draft, is scheduled for March 30-April 2 at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
The three-day event, a gathering of NFL owners, general managers and coaches, is where rules changes are discussed and voted on, along with other league business.
Free agency for restricted free agents
April 18 is the deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets, with April 23 the deadline for the prior team to exercise a “right of first refusal” to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.
Restricted free agents can sign with any team, but if they leave their former team would get something in return. These players’ contracts are up and must have accrued three seasons in the NFL.
Tight end John FitzPatrick is the team’s lone restricted free agent.
When is the NFL draft?
The NFL draft is April 24-26 in Green Bay.
2025 NFL schedule
The 2025 NFL schedule will be released in May during a primetime event. Last year, the schedule was released May 15 and, two years ago, it was released May 11.
Packers opponents
Here are the opponents who will make up the Packers’ 2025 schedule:
Home opponents: Lions, Vikings, Bears, Eagles, Commanders, Panthers, Ravens, Bengals
Road opponents: Lions, Vikings, Bears, Cowboys, Giants, Cardinals, Browns, Steelers, Broncos
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