Important NFL Offseason Dates to Know

With the Super Bowl now concluded, the NFL offseason is officially underway, and Ravens fans should mark these key dates:

– Feb. 19: Void year deadline
The Ravens can avoid dead money on this year’s salary cap by reaching deals with free agents like Kevin Zeitler, Nelson Agholor, Geno Stone, Gus Edwards, and Rock Ya-Sin, who have void years in their contracts. If no deals are reached, they become free agents, resulting in nearly $10 million in dead money on the 2024 salary cap.

– Feb. 27-March 4: NFL Scouting Combine
The Ravens’ scouting team and coaches will be in Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine, where General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh are likely to share insights.

– March 5: Franchise tag deadline
Teams can designate franchise or transition players, with the Ravens possibly tagging defensive tackle Justin Madubuike to buy time for a long-term extension.

– March 11-13: Free agency negotiation window opens
Teams can negotiate with players’ agents during this period, often leading to reported agreements before the official start of free agency on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

– March 16: Deadline for exclusive rights free agent tenders
The Ravens have one exclusive rights free agent, defensive back Ar’Darius Washington.

– March 18: Fifth day of the league year
Contract triggers occur if players are on the team by 4 p.m. ET on this day, including bonuses for key players like Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey, and Mark Andrews.

– March 24-25: Annual League Meeting
NFL leaders gather in Orlando to discuss league matters, rule changes, and conduct media meetings, including a coaches breakfast.

– April 15: Offseason workout programs begin
Teams with returning head coaches start preparing for the next season with the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program.

– April 19: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
The Ravens have no restricted free agents this year.

– April 25-27: NFL Draft
The Ravens hold the 30th overall pick and are expected to have eight picks in this year’s draft in Detroit.

– May 2: Deadline to exercise fifth-year options
Decisions must be made on fifth-year options for 2021 first-round picks Rashod Bateman and Odafe Oweh, projected at $13.8 million and $12.2 million, respectively.

– May 3-6 or May 10-13: Rookie Minicamp
Rookies take the field for the first time.

– June 1: Cuts deadline
This marks the last day for the Ravens to release veteran players, with any dead money counting against the 2024 salary cap. If released after June 1st, the cap hit is spread over the next two years.

– July 15: Franchise/transition tag deadline
Players receiving the franchise or transition tag must sign a long-term deal by this deadline to avoid playing the upcoming season on the tag.