NFL March 2026: Offseason Dates
March is one of the most important months on the NFL calendar. From franchise tags to free agency and major trades, this is when rosters start to take shape for the 2026 season. Here’s a clear breakdown of the biggest NFL dates that fans need to circle in March 2026.
March 3 – Franchise & Transition Tag Deadline
Teams must designate any Franchise or Transition Players before 4:00 p.m. ET. This move allows clubs to retain negotiating rights with key players set to hit free agency. If a team wants to keep a star from testing the open market, this is the first big step.
March 9-11 – Free Agency Negotiation Window (“Legal Tampering Period”)
From 12:00 p.m. ET on March 9 until 3:59:59 p.m. ET on March 11, teams can contact and negotiate with certified agents of players set to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs).
- Players without an NFLPA-certified agent may speak directly with a team’s front office (not coaches).
- No contracts can be officially signed with a new team until free agency opens.
This negotiation window often brings major news leaks and reported agreements before deals become official.
March 11 – 2026 League Year Begins
At 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, the 2026 NFL League Year officially begins.
- Free agency signing period opens.
- Trades for the 2026 season can officially be processed.
- All 2025 player contracts expire.
- Teams must be salary cap compliant.
This is typically one of the busiest days of the entire offseason, with blockbuster contracts and surprise trades becoming official.
The first official day of the new league year runs through 11:59:59 p.m. ET on March 12, with all transactions processed by the league office.
March 29 – April 1 – Annual League Meeting
The NFL’s Annual League Meeting will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, where team owners, executives, and league officials gather to discuss rule changes, policies, and the league’s direction. Major competition rule adjustments are often approved during this event.
Why March Matters
March sets the tone for the entire 2026 NFL season. Championship contenders are built, rebuilds begin, and draft strategies shift dramatically in response to free agency moves. For NFL fans across the USA, this is the month where hope, headlines, and high-stakes decisions collide.