NFL Draft, Free Agency and Training Camp: Key Dates for the 2023 Offseason | NFL News
NFL Draft, Free Agency and Training Camp: Key Dates for the 2023 Offseason | NFL News
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Alabama’s Bryce Young is widely predicted to be the first quarterback drafted off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft
The NFL never sleeps, and as the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate another Super Bowl triumph, the league turns its attention to an exciting offseason as we prepare for the 2023 season.
From free agency to the 2023 NFL Draft, here are some of the offseason dates to keep an eye on in the coming months…
Franchise Day Period – February 21st through March 7th
Beginning on Tuesday, February 21, teams can begin assigning franchise and transition tags to players through March 7 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
NFL teams are allowed to use the franchise tag once per offseason, with the one-year contract allowing an organization to retain a player to become an unrestricted free agent with a guaranteed contract.
The exclusive franchise tag guarantees the player a salary based on the top 5 average salaries at their position or 120 percent of their previous year’s salary, whichever is higher. It also prevents the player in question from negotiating with another team.
The non-exclusive franchise tag gives players the opportunity to negotiate with another team. Should they agree on a deal with a new team, the original team has the option to adjust and agree to the new contract, or opt out and receive two first-round picks as compensation from the new team.
The transition tag sees the player earning the average annual salary of the top 10 highest-paid players in their position, although the player is also allowed to negotiate long-term contracts with other teams. The original team can adjust the offer again, but no compensation will be given if they choose not to.
Franchise-tagged players have until mid-July to negotiate a long-term contract with the teams or sign with another team.
Lamar Jackson is a franchise tag candidate as he and the Ravens work toward a long-term deal
NFL Scouting Combine – February 28 through March 6
One of the highlights of the pre-draft process is Indianapolis hosting the NFL Scouting Combine, when the country’s top prospects demonstrate their athleticism in a series of physical exercises in front of team head coaches, general managers, scouts and officials.
The Combine, famously dubbed the “Underwear Olympiad” by fans, is the nationally televised showcase where prospects can show off their speed and strength in hopes of edging their way to the draftboards. Notable drills include the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, long jump, three-tone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle, with players divided into their respective position groups throughout the week. John Ross holds the official record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine, having run a 4.22 in 2017.
Aside from the on-field activities, one of the most important components of Combine week is the opportunity for prospects to meet with coaches and CEOs for interviews as teams try to find out more about their character and personality.
The NFL has invited 319 college prospects to participate in this year’s Combine, after which the official College Pro Days begin March 7, giving players the opportunity to practice in front of scouts at their respective school facilities.
Free Agency Begins – March 15th
The NFL’s legal manipulation period begins March 13 until the official start of the new league year on March 15. During this time, teams will be allowed to enter into contract negotiations with the agents of players slated to become unrestricted free agents when their 2022 contracts expire at 4 p.m. EST on March 15, which marks the start of the free agency period.
It’s only when free agency begins that players and teams can sign deals, although much of the heavy lifting typically takes place in the two-day “legal manipulation” window.
Expect drama.
2023 NFL Draft – April 27th to April 29th
Georgia’s Jalen Carter is a contender for the #1 overall pick in the April draft
The biggest date on the offseason calendar this year comes on April 27 when Kansas City hosts the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears ended the 2022 season in possession of the No. 1 overall standings after recording a league-worst finish at 3-14, followed by quarterback-needy teams the Houston Texans (No. 2 overall) and Indianapolis Colts (#4 overall). #3 side pick Arizona Cardinals.
Alabama’s Bryce Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud top the quarterback pool, Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is likely to be this year’s undisputed star, with Will Anderson Jr galore.
The draft spectacle only increases in size and opulence, aided by the drama within the drama in the form of mid-draft trades, with last year’s opening day being the Philadelphia Eagles’ blockbuster trade to the Tennessee’s AJ Brown to take over Titans.
Rookie minicamps will then take place on either May 5-8 or May 12-15.
NFL Schedule Release – Mid-May
The 2023 NFL schedule will be released sometime in mid-May when fans find out where their teams will start their season and who will be playing on Thanksgiving and around Christmas.
It should also provide confirmation of the dates for the NFL’s International Games as the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans prepare to host games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while the Jacksonville Jaguars return to Wembley, along with the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots prepare for their Germany debuts.
NFL Training Camp – Late July
In the training camp everything starts to feel real. The scrimmages return, the pads come, offseason planning kicks in, strength training ramps up, and preseason games begin as players on the roster bubble compete for a spot in the final roster while others move into position fights.
Hall of Fame Game – August 3rd
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023
The Pro Football Hall of Fame game marks the traditional kick-off for the four-week preseason held each year in Canton, Ohio. The annual exhibition adds to the celebrations of entrenching the Hall of Fame, with the two teams yet to be confirmed.
The Class of 2023 was announced at NFL Honors ahead of Super Bowl LVII and includes the following:
Ronde BarberDarrelle RevisJoe ThomasZach ThomasDeMarcus WareDon Coryell (Coach/Staff)Chuck Howley (Senior)Joe Klecko (Senior)Ken Riley (Senior) 
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Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII
Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII
The 2023 regular season begins on September 7th
The new NFL season is slated to begin Sept. 7, and as per tradition, the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will host Thursday night’s opener after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles to capture their second ring in four years .
While the matchup has yet to be officially confirmed, Kansas City’s home opponents for 2023 include the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins and the Eagles.
InNewCL Sports’ coverage of the NFL will continue into the off-season as we track player movement and storylines leading up to the 2023 season – and we’ll be covering all three days of the NFL Draft in April.
