Key Dates and Events for the 2026-27 NFL Season
The National Football League has released the key dates for the upcoming 2026-27 season. One significant change is the shortened gap between the NFL Scouting Combine and the start of free agency, with only one day between the two events. The new league year will kick off two days later at 4 p.m. ET. Other important dates include the 53-man roster cutdown day on August 30, the 2026 trade deadline on November 10, and the Annual League Meeting from March 21-24.
The NFL calendar for the 2026-27 season includes various deadlines and events. For instance, on July 15, clubs must sign Franchise Players to multi-year contracts or extensions. Preseason training camps for rookies can open in mid-July, and the earliest mandatory reporting date for veteran players is July 22. The deadline for signing Transition Players and unrestricted free agents is also on July 22.
In August, the preseason games will take place from August 13-29, with the final roster cutdown to 53 players on August 30. The claiming period for waived players will expire on August 31, and clubs can establish a Practice Squad of 17 players. The regular season will kick off on September 9-10 with Kickoff Weekend presented by YouTube TV.
Throughout the season, there will be international games in various locations, including Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Mexico. The NFL International Games will provide fans worldwide with the opportunity to experience American football.
As the season progresses, key dates include the trade deadline on November 10, the waiver system for players with four previous pension-credited seasons on November 11, and the signing period for Franchise Players on November 17. The season will culminate with Super Bowl LXI on February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
In preparation for the 2027 season, clubs can designate Franchise or Transition Players from February 17 to March 3. The NFL Scouting Combine will take place from March 1-8, leading up to the start of free agency negotiations on March 9. The 2027 League Year and free agency signing period will officially begin on March 11, marking the start of a new NFL season filled with excitement and competition.