FRISCO, Texas — Another round of major changes within the Dallas Cowboys organization is on tap for 2026. The second season of the Brian Schottenheimer era began with the first decision made was to part ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus — hiring Eagles pass game coordinator Christian Parker as his successor.
It was not the only change on that side of the ball, as the coaching staff was finalized behind Parker, and the Cowboys know that's not the only task list they are up against this offseason. They've got to work in free agency early by signing Javonte Williams to a three-year extension and applying the non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens, as well as tendering both Josh Butler and Reddy Steward, the two exclusive rights free agents.
They'll have until mid-July to work out a deal with Pickens, and All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey is likely staring at a second-round tender as he continues negotiations, the same being true for offensive lineman T.J. Bass.p
From free agency 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.]
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
