As we look forward to the NFL season ahead, it’s time to mark your calendars for some significant dates in the coming weeks and months.

Tuesday, March 4

At 3 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, the deadline for teams around the league to apply franchise tags will arrive. Recently, the Chiefs made it public that they have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith. More details on Smith's tagging can be found through official channels.

Monday, March 10

March 10 heralds the start of the NFL's "legal tampering period" at 11 a.m. Central Time. During this period, teams are free to engage in contract discussions with agents of players on the verge of becoming unrestricted free agents as the new league year kicks off on March 12.

This time is akin to a “Super Bowl” for insiders in the NFL, such as Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, and Jordan Schultz, who typically report a whirlwind of newly struck contracts. Keep in mind that these deals are almost always finalized; only in rare instances do we see shifts in direction.

Wednesday, March 12

The NFL’s new league year gets underway on Wednesday, March 12, at 3 p.m. Central Time. This marks the moment when all agreements made during the “legal tampering period” can take effect. Teams typically share their announcements via official social media channels.

Unrestricted free agents (UFA): LB Nick Bolton, WR Marquise Brown, TE Jody Fortson, WR Mecole Hardman, WR DeAndre Hopkins, T D.J. Humphries, RB Kareem Hunt, DT Derrick Nnadi, DE Charles Omenihu, DT Mike Pennel, RB Samaje Perine, S Justin Reid, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, DT Marlon Tuipulotu, DE Joshua Uche, WR Justin Watson, QB Carson Wentz, DT Tershawn Wharton, and LS James Winchester

By this point, teams need to fit within the NFL’s official salary cap. Current projections indicate the Chiefs face a challenge, being $16.9 million over the 2025 salary cap.

In past seasons, the Chiefs have leaned toward a strategy of waiting to capitalize on value during the second wave of free agency, rather than diving in on big-name talent during the initial frenzy.

Wednesday, April 16

This day also marks the deadline for top-30 visits, when teams have the chance to host prospective draft picks for workouts, interviews, and medical evaluations. Teams may continue holding virtual meetings with prospects until the day prior to the NFL Draft.

Friday, April 18

On this day, the window for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with new teams will close. More details on this topic will be available soon, but here’s a quick list of Kansas City’s restricted free agents:

Exclusive rights free agents (ERFA): P Matt Araiza and OL Mike Caliendo

Restricted rights free agents (RFA): LB Jack Cochrane, TE Peyton Hendershot, DE Malik Herring, CB Nazeeh Johnson, and CB Keith Taylor

Monday, April 21

On this date, teams that retained their head coaches—like Andy Reid and the Chiefs—can commence their offseason workout programs. 💪

Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26

The much-anticipated NFL Draft is set to unfold in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This inner sanctum of football talent will potentially shape the future of several teams! 🏈

With these exciting dates approaching, fans are gearing up for a whirlwind of activity that will redefine team rosters and set the stage for the upcoming season. Whether you're a passionate supporter of the Chiefs or simply a lover of the NFL, there’s a lot to look forward to as the league gears up for another exhilarating season! 🎉