​Training camp is just over three weeks away from getting underway, and the NFL calendar for the 2026 season and 2027 offseason is starting to take shape. On Tuesday, the league unveiled its key dates for the 2026-27 league year, laying out a roadmap for teams, players, agents, and fans from training camp through free agency and the 2027 NFL draft. While the calendar can still shift, it features several pivotal deadlines that will influence roster construction across the league.
The first major date comes on July 15, when clubs that designated franchise players face a 4 p.m. New York time deadline to sign those players to multi-year contracts or extensions. After this date, franchise players can sign only one-year deals with their prior clubs for the 2026 season.
The preseason action kicks off with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6 in Canton, Ohio, featuring the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals. The first full weekend of preseason games is set for August 13-15, followed by the second weekend from August 20-23 and the third from August 27-29.
One of the most significant roster-marking dates arrives on August 30, when teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 6 p.m. New York time. Waiver claims stemming from final cuts close on August 31 at 1 p.m., and clubs may establish practice squads after receiving the league’s personnel notice.
The regular season opens with Kickoff Weekend scheduled for September 9-10 and September 13-14. The international slate includes notable matchups such as the Ravens versus the Cowboys in Brazil on September 27 and the Eagles facing the Jaguars in London on October 4.
The 2026 trade deadline is set for November 10 at 4 p.m. New York time. Following the regular season, Wild Card Weekend runs January 16-18, the divisional round January 23-24, and the conference championships on January 31. Super Bowl LXI is slated for February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The 2027 offseason picks up quickly after that. Teams will be able to designate franchise or transition players from February 17 through March 3. The scouting combine is scheduled for March 1-8 in Indianapolis, and the 2027 league year and free agency signing period begin March 11 at 4 p.m. New York time. The 2027 NFL draft is slated for April 29-May 1 in Washington, D.C.
This overview originally appeared on Ravens Wire and outlines the NFL’s 2026 trade deadlines, roster-cut planning, and the kickoff to 2027 free agency to help fans and analysts track the league’s evolving schedule.