Important 2024 NFL offseason dates for Commanders fans to know

The Super Bowl is over, but the NFL never sleeps. As soon as the Chiefs defeated the 49ers to repeat as Super Bowl champions, it was time for all 32 NFL teams to focus on 2024.

The Washington Commanders have been busy since the end of the regular season. Washington fired Ron Rivera and hired Adam Peters as the franchise’s new general manager. Shortly after, the Commanders hired Dan Quinn to replace Rivera, with Quinn finishing up his coaching staff this week.

Now, the real work begins.

Here’s a calendar to follow and keep up with the essential dates on this offseason’s calendar:

February 20

Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl poses with a fan-made sign. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

The franchise/transition tag window opens.

February 26-March 4

Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general overall view of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Some important dates for next week’s NFL combine in Indianapolis:

• Feb. 29: Defensive linemen, linebackers
• March 1: Defensive backs, tight ends
• March 2: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
• March 3: Offensive linemen

March 5

Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

The franchise/transition tag deadline (4 p.m. ET).

March 11-13

(L-R) Limited partner Mitch Rales of the Washington Commanders, head coach Dan Quinn, managing partner Josh Harris, limited partner Mark Ein, and general manager Adam Peters. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

The unofficial opening of NFL free agency as the legal tampering period begins (Noon ET Monday to 4 p.m. ET Wednesday).

March 13

Washington Commanders. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL 2024 league year opens (4 p.m. ET), and all trades and signings become official. All 32 NFL teams must comply with the salary cap by the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

March 24-27

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JULY 21: Marjorie Harris, Mitchell Rales, Magic Johnson, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, new owners of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The annual league meeting in Orlando, Florida, which shouldn’t be as newsworthy as last season.

April 1

Head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders speaks during a press conference alongside managing partner Josh Harris, left, and general manager Adam Peters. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

This is the day when new head coach Dan Quinn and his staff can kick off the Commanders’ offseason program. Since Quinn is a new coach, he gets a two-week jump on the rest of the NFL. Teams with returning coaching staffs open offseason work on April 15.

April 17

North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The deadline for NFL draft prospects to meet at team facilities — also known as top-30 visits.

April 19

Phidarian Mathis #98, Jabril Cox #41 and James Smith-Williams #96 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with other teams. This is a very uneventful deadline for most teams.

April 24

The NFL Network 2023 NFL Draft stage at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Two deadlines here: First, it’s the deadline for teams to match offer sheets for restricted free agents. Secondly, it’s the deadline for teams to meet draft prospects at any location.

April 25-27

Signage promoting the 2023 NFL Draft with team logos in downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL draft begins on April 25 in Detroit:

• April 25: Round 1
• April 26: Round 2-3
• April 27: Round 4-7

May 2

Jamin Davis #52 of the Washington Commanders walks off the field after his team’s 24-16 win against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The deadline for NFL teams to pick up the fifth-year options for 2025 for first-round picks from the 2021 NFL draft. Last year, the Commanders declined Chase Young’s option. Jamin Davis is on the clock this year.

May 3-6 or May 10-13

Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (13) participates in drills during Commanders rookie minicamp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams can choose either of these periods to have their rookie minicamp, which lasts four days.