Here are key league dates leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft (all times Eastern).
MARCH
7: 4 p.m. deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
12-15: Beginning at noon, 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 2015 player contracts at 4 p.m. on March 15. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4 p.m. on March 15.
15: The 2016 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4 p.m.
15: Trading period for 2016 begins at 4 p.m. after expiration of all 2015 contracts.
20-23: Annual League Meeting - Boca Raton, Fla.
7: 4 p.m. deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
12-15: Beginning at noon, 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 2015 player contracts at 4 p.m. on March 15. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4 p.m. on March 15.
15: The 2016 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4 p.m.
15: Trading period for 2016 begins at 4 p.m. after expiration of all 2015 contracts.
20-23: Annual League Meeting - Boca Raton, Fla.
APRIL
4: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2015 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
18: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
22: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.
27: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.
28-30: NFL Draft in Chicago.
18: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
22: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.
27: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.
28-30: NFL Draft in Chicago.
