Important 2024 NFL offseason dates for Bills fans to know
The NFL offseason is officially in full swing.
While it’s not going to be the likes of Josh Allen at quarterback on the field at Highmark Stadium, a lot of action is going to be put in by the Buffalo Bills over the coming months. Instead, this is the time of the year where general manager Brandon Beane earns his stripes.
Most of Bills Mafia likely knows there’s free agency and the 2024 NFL draft to look forward to. But there’s much more than that which should be marked on your calendar.
And even speaking of those, do you know when those important dates exactly are?
Here’s an easy calendar to follow and keep up with the important dates on this offseason’s calendar for Bills fans:
February 20
On this date the window opens for teams to designate a franchise tag or transition tag. The Bills aren’t likely to use a tag given their lack of high-end free agents.
February 27 - March 4
These are the dates for the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
March 5
The window to designate franchise or transition tags closes at 4 p.m. Again, the Bills aren’t likely to be active in the tag window.
March 11
The legal negotiating window opens for players who are due to officially be free agents once the new league year begins. Pending free agents from the Bills can speak to new teams but do not officially sign with them until free agency opens. On the flip side, free agents from other teams can talk to Buffalo.
While no actual, real, concrete signings are made at this time, NFL insiders report on ones that are going to be happening.
March 13
At 4:00 p.m., the new league year begins (only yours is at midnight on Jan. 1!).
Translation: This is when free agency begins but most signings, or at least big ones, have already been known for days.
March 24-27
Annual league meetings take place across these four days. Rule changes are one of the key aspects of these meetings. Coaches and GMs are also all in one place which tends to lead to some trade chatter ahead of the draft.
April 15
Offseason workout programs can begin at this point for the Bills since they did not hire a new head coach during the offseason.
April 17
This is the last day teams can have draft prospects in for in-person interviews and workouts at the team facility.
April 19
Restricted free agents have until this date to sign their offer sheet if offered by another team. This only concerns the Bills if they send one out to a RFA, they don’t have any RFAs this offseason.
April 24
Two things happen on the 24th of April. First, it’s the last day for clubs to have contact with draft prospects either virtually or in person at any location.
Second, it’s the deadline for teams to exercise their right of first refusal on RFAs who signed offer sheets.
April 25-27
The NFL draft. The Bills are projected to have 10 total picks, including the No. 28 overall selection in the first round.
May 2
Deadline for teams to exercise their fifth-year option on 2021 first-round picks… a.k.a. as the Bills are concerned, this means pass rusher Greg Rousseau.
May TBD
At some point in May, the 2024 NFL schedule is dropped. We already know who and where the Bills will play, but it doesn’t get sorted into an order until some time in May… there isn’t exactly a specific date. Last year, Thursday, May 11, was when it was announced.
