The NFL’s offseason frenzy will kick off this week with the start of free agency, followed by the NFL draft next month. Looking ahead on the NFL calendar, here are the key dates to know going forward.
March 11-13: Free agency negotiating window opens
Clubs can begin negotiating contracts with pending free agent players from other teams beginning March 11, but no deals can become official until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 13.
March 13: NFL free agency and trading period begins
Once the new league year begins on March 13, clubs can sign free agents from other teams and complete trades with other teams. Denver’s trade with the Browns will become official on Wednesday.
April 15: Offseason workouts begin
Clubs with a returning head coach (including the Broncos) can begin their offseason program on April 15.
April 25-27: 2024 NFL draft (Detroit)
The Broncos currently hold eight picks to use in the 2024 NFL draft, but more trades might be on the way.
May 2: Deadline for 5th-year option
The Broncos have until May 2 to pick up Pat Surtain’s fifth-year option. If they exercise the option, Surtain will be paid $19,802,000 in 2025.
May 3-6 or 10-13: Rookie minicamp
After the NFL draft, clubs will be permitted to hold a rookie minicamp between either May 3-6 or May 10-13.
May: 2024 NFL scheduled announced
Over the last four years, the NFL has announced its upcoming schedule between May 7-12. Assuming that trend will continue, fans can expect the Broncos' schedule to be announced in the first or second week of May. We already know the team's opponents for 2024.
May-June: OTAs and mandatory minicamp
Last year, organized team activities started in late May and wrapped up in early June. The Broncos then held mandatory minicamp from June 13-15. Denver will likely have a similar schedule this summer.
July: Training camp expected to begin
The Broncos typically begin training camp practices in late July, and most practices are open to the public. Last year, Denver announced its training camp schedule on June 27.
August: Preseason and roster cuts
The Broncos will begin preseason games in August with roster cuts set to start later in the month. Last year, Denver's preseason schedule was finalized in May and roster cuts started in August with 53-man rosters due by Aug. 29. This year's timeline will likely be similar.
September: Regular season begins
Before you know it, the 2024 NFL season will be here!
