When is the NFL Draft and Free Agency? Date, start time, and more

With Super Bowl LX now over, the focus across the league quickly shifts from celebrations to roster building. For fans of the Seattle Seahawks, and the rest of the NFL the offseason is just as important as the regular season.

Two of the biggest dates on the NFL calendar are free agency and the NFL Draft. Here’s a simple guide to when they happen and what to expect in 2026.

When does NFL Free Agency start in 2026?

NFL free agency officially begins on March 11th 2026, at 4 p.m. ET, which marks the start of the new league year.



However things start heating up even before that. The legal tampering period opens on March 9 at noon ET. During this two-day window, teams are allowed to negotiate with agents of players whose contracts are set to expire. While deals cannot be signed yet, agreements are often reported during this period.

Before free agency, teams also have the option to use the franchise or transition tag on key players. The designation window runs from February 17th to March 3rd. The tag allows a team to keep a player on a one-year deal, usually at a high salary while preventing him from immediately hitting the open market.

Free agency often brings major headlines that include blockbuster signings, surprise team switches and big-money contracts. With the salary cap expected to rise again in 2026, this year’s free agency period could be particularly active.

When is the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to April 25, 2026. This year’s draft will be held in Pittsburgh, with events centered around Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. The draft spans three days:

• Thursday, April 23rd - Round 1 (8 p.m. ET)
• Friday, April 24th - Rounds 2 and 3 (7 p.m. ET)
• Saturday, April 25th - Rounds 4 to 7 (12 p.m. ET)

The first round usually draws the most attention, as teams select franchise-changing players. This year’s class is expected to feature top prospects at quarterback, wide receiver and edge rusher, with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza widely projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick.

Before draft night, teams evaluate prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine which takes place on February 23rd to March 2nd in Indianapolis. They also attend pro days and conduct private visits.

From free agency in March to the draft in April, the NFL offseason moves quickly. While there may be no games on Sundays, the drama never really stops.



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