Key NFL Dates in April 2026

April is an important month in the offseason for the National Football League as teams prepare for the upcoming season and finalize their plans before the draft.

April 6 – Teams that hired a new head coach after the 2025 season are allowed to begin their offseason workout programs.

April 15 – Final day for teams to host, test, interview, or medically examine draft-eligible prospects at their team facilities.

April 17 – Restricted free agents must sign offer sheets with new teams by this deadline.

April 20 – Teams with returning head coaches can officially start their offseason workout programs.

April 22 – Deadline for a player’s previous team to match an offer sheet signed by a restricted free agent. It is also the final day teams can meet, interview, or evaluate draft prospects anywhere.

April 23-25 – The biggest event of the offseason arrives with the 2026 NFL Draft taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the next generation of NFL stars will hear their names called.