ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Another Bills season has come and gone, but there's always something fast approaching on the NFL calendar.
Some NFL teams are already cutting players to prepare for free agency. There's always going to be speculation surrounding the NFL Draft. Then there are the OTAs (organized team activities), league meetings, and so much more.
The NFL will release the 2024 schedules this spring, but when exactly remains a mystery.
Here are some of the major dates to remember as the countdown to another season gets underway.
- Feb. 20: NFL teams have the ability to designate franchise or transition players until 4 p.m. on March 5.
- Feb. 27 to March 4: The NFL Scouting Combine takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
- March 5: The deadline for teams to designate franchise or transition players arrives at 4 p.m.
- March 11-13: A free-agency negotiation period allows teams to contact and start contract negotiations with players who will become unrestricted free agents once their contracts expire at 4 p.m. on March 13.
- March 13: The new league year begins at 4 p.m. Free agents are now able to sign new contracts.
- March 24-27: The annual league meeting takes place in Orlando, Fla.
- April 15: Teams with returning head coaches can start offseason workout programs.
- April 17: The deadline arrives for teams to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at their facilities.
- April 19: The deadline arrives for restricted free agents when it comes to signing offer sheets.
- April 25-27: The NFL Draft takes place in Detroit.
- May 2: The deadline arrives for teams who want to use a fifth-year option on players selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
- May 20-21, May 23, May 28-30, June 3-4, June 6: Bills hold OTA offseason workouts.
- June 11-13: Bills hold mandatory minicamp.