Key NFL Dates in May 2026

May continues the busy offseason around the National Football League as teams begin working with their new rookies and prepare for the summer programs.

May 1 – Deadline for teams to decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option on players selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

May 1-4 or May 8-11 – Teams can hold their three-day rookie minicamp on one of the two weekends following the draft, giving newly drafted and undrafted rookies their first on-field experience with their teams.

May 11 – The Rookie Football Development Programs begin to help young players adjust to life in the NFL, both on and off the field.

May 13-17 – The annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere takes place in Los Angeles, California, where top rookies participate in marketing events, media appearances, and fan promotions.

May 19-20 – League executives gather for the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando, Florida, to discuss league business and plans.