FRISCO, Texas — Another disappointing season leads to another round of major changes within the Dallas Cowboys organization. Exiting their second consecutive losing season, and with an embarrassing loss to the New York Giants as the final nail in that proverbial coffin, the first decision made was to part ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
It will ultimately not stand as the lone change, when it's all said-and-done, but changes within the coaching staff aren't the only thing the Cowboys are up against this offseason. A bit of an overhaul on the defensive side of the ball is warranted, and there are two headline players — George Pickens and Javonte Williams — topping the list of free agents to negotiate with.
From free agency and franchise tag conversations to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and the offseason programs that follow leading into training camp, the calendar of key dates the Cowboys need to adhere to has arrived, so save the dates accordingly.
It will be updated throughout the offseason, so bookmark and revisit frequently.
[Note: The Mazi Smith trade to the New York Jets means the Cowboys have no player from the 2023 NFL Draft that qualifies for a fifth-year option.]
January
- January 5: Teams can sign free agents, CFL players and futures deals
- January 5: Teams can begin negotiating extensions for 2023 draft pick(s)
- January 5: Fifth-year option available on 2023 first-round pick (N/A)
- January 27: East-West Shrine Bowl (Frisco, TX)
- January 31: The Panini Senior Bowl (Mobile, AL)
February
- February 3: NFL Pro Bowl Event(s) (San Francisco)
- February 8: Super Bowl LIX (Santa Clara, CA)
- February 17: Teams can designate players for Franchise Tag/Transition Tag
- February 23-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)
March
- March 3: Deadline to designate Franchise/Transition players (4 p.m. ET)
- March 9-11: Legal tampering permitted for pending free agents
- March 11: First day of new league year, official free agency period (4 p.m. ET)
- March 29-April 1: Annual League Meeting (Phoenix)
April
- April 15: Deadline for club visits with draft prospects at team facility
- April 17: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
- April 20: Start of offseason workouts for teams with no head coaching change
- April 22: Deadline for teams to exercise Right of First Refusal on RFAs
- April 22: Deadline for visits with draft prospects at any location (including digitally)
- April 23-25: 2025 NFL Draft (Pittsburgh)
May
- May 1-4/May 8-11: Rookie minicamps (clubs must pick one of the two weekends)
- May 13-17: NFLPA Rookie Premiere (Los Angeles)
- Mid-May (TBD): 2026 NFL Schedule Release
- May 20-21: Spring League Meeting (Orlando)
June
- Mid-June (TBD): Mandatory OTAs
July
- July 15: Deadline for franchise tagged players to sign multi-year extension
- Late-July (TBD): Training Camp Begins
August
- Early August (TBD): Hall of Fame Game, Preseason begins
