NFL 2013 Offseason Key Dates: Combine, Free Agency, Draft And More

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Another season passed by and another one is just about to start. This year’s NFL season seems to have a bit more of excitement than the past one. For those of us who just can’t get enough of football and lives looking forward to the next NFL’s event, here is a quick glance of the dates to keep in mind – a courtesy of CBSsports.com.

EVENT

Feb. 9-10

Regional Combine, Orange Coast College-Lebard Stadium (Los Angeles)

Feb. 16

Regional Combine, Methodist Training Center (Houston)

Feb. 17

Regional Combine, Cleveland Browns Training Facility (Cleveland)

Feb. 20-26

NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)

March 2-3

Regional Combine, Atlantic Health Jets Training Facility (New York/New Jersey)

March 9

Regional Combine, One Buccaneer Place (Tampa, Fla.)

March 10

Regional Combine, Halas Hall (Chicago)

March 9-11

Clubs are permitted to enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will be Unrestricted Free Agents at the end of the current league year

March 12

Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must exercise options for 2013 on all players who have option clauses in their 2012 contracts

Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation

Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit a minimum salary offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2012 contracts and who have fewer than three seasons of free agency credit

All 2012 player contracts will expire at 4 p.m. ET

Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the salary cap prior to 4 p.m. ET

2013 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4 p.m. ET

Trading period begins at 4 p.m. ET for 2013, after expiration of all 2012 contracts

March 16-17

Regional Combine, Atlanta Falcons Training Facility (Atlanta)

March 17-20

Annual League Meeting (Phoenix)

March 23-24

Regional Combine, Virginia Mason Athletic Center (Seattle)

Regional Combine, Baltimore Ravens Training Facility (Baltimore)

April 7-8

Super Regional Combine, Cowboys Stadium (Dallas)

April 25-27

(New York)

May 20-22

NFL Spring League Meeting (Boston)

Sept. 5

NFL Kickoff 2013

Sept. 29

NFL International Series: Pittsburgh at Minnesota (in London)

Oct. 27

NFL International Series: San Francisco at Jacksonville (in London)

Dates for training camps, OTA’s and other activities will be announced later this spring. In the meantime, let’s just enjoy the ride!

Follow Celia Westbrook on Twitter @celiawestbrook