Important dates on the 2022 NFL calendar

Wondering when Nick Caserio will be able to sign more free agent linebackers? Curious as to when Jack Easterby can get rid of any remaining talent via imbalanced trades? Well, look no further! The NFL has released its schedule of important dates in 2022.

Important dates of the NFL league for 2022

January 10 – Clubs could start signing free agents for the 2022 season.

February 28 – CFL 2021 player contracts expire at 12:00 p.m. New York time. As of 12:01 p.m. New York time, NFL clubs can no longer try, negotiate, and / or sign CFL players with 2022 contracts.

February 22 – First day for clubs to designate Franchises or Transition Players.

March 1-7 – NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium: Indianapolis, Indiana.

8 March – NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium: Indianapolis, Indiana.

March 14-16 – Clubs are permitted to contact and negotiate contracts with certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2021 player contracts at 4:00 p.m. New York time on March 16.

March 16 –

• Before 4:00 p.m. New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2022 on all players who have option clauses in their 2021 contracts.
• Before 4:00 p.m. New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents whose contracts expire to retain a right of first refusal / set-off.
• Before 4:00 p.m. New York time, clubs must submit a minimum wage offer to retain exclusive trading rights for their players with contracts expiring in 2021 that have less than three accumulated seasons of free agency credit.
• Start of the Top 51 rule. All clubs must be under the 2022 salary cap by 4:00 p.m. New York time.
• All 2021 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m. New York time.
• League year 2022 and the free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m. New York time.
• The first day of the 2022 League year will end at 11:59:59 p.m. New York time on March 16. Clubs will receive a staff notification that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m. New York time and 11:59:59 p.m. New York time on March 16.
• The trading period for 2022 begins at 4:00 p.m. New York time after all 2021 contracts expire.

April 4 – Clubs that have hired a new head coach after the end of the 2021 season can start off-season training programs.

April 18 – Clubs with returning head coaches can start out of season training programs.

April 22 – Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 28-30 – 2022 NFL Draft: Las Vegas, Nevada.

For a more precise overview of the dates, Click here.