Key dates on the NFL's 2025-2026 league calendar that will impact the Eagles

USA Today

14 hours ago

Key dates on the NFL's 2025-2026 league calendar that will impact the Eagles The NFL's official calendar for the next year has been released, and the league unveiled about two dozen key dates starting in July and extending until next summer.
The NFL's official calendar for the next year has been released, and the league unveiled about two dozen key dates starting in July and extending until next summer. Philadelphia now knows when they'll need to trim the roster down to 53 players, and a hint at the looming trade deadline.
With the next year's schedule now completed, here are the key dates to watch.
July 15 -- Franchise tag
The Eagles don't have any players on the tag. Still, for players like Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith, July 15 is the deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such a player to a multiyear contract or extension. The Chiefs placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith on Feb. 28. The Pro Bowl offensive lineman will earn $23.4 million on the tag unless a new deal is agreed to before the July 15 deadline. Smith, 26, has started 77 games, including postseason, since being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2025 season, and no long-term extension can happen until after the final regular season game.
Mid July
The Eagles' rookies and select veterans will report to the NovaCare Complex for training camp.
July 31 -Hall of Fame Game, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions, Canton, Ohio.
Jim Harbaugh's revamped Chargers will face Dan Campbell's new-look Detroit Lions in Canton, Ohio.
Aug 26: Rosters must be cut down to 53 players
After several seasons with multiple cutdown days, the NFL returned to one deadline for teams to trim their rosters.
The deadline was adjusted before the 2020 COVID-19-impacted seasons:
Roster reduction from 90 to 85
Roster reduction from 85 to 80
Final roster reduction from 80 to 53
Teams can release players at their discretion, but not having three different cutdown dates no longer puts pressure on them during the summer.
Aug 31- Final day of preseason training camp for all clubs
For the Eagles and every other NFL team, September 1 is a holiday, and the official start of the 2025 regular season.
September 1-6 -- Injury reports
The first week of September means teams around the league will start officially releasing injury reports.
November 4- NFL Trade Deadline
The week after Halloween will be exciting this year as teams anticipate an early trade deadline.
January 5 - Fifth-year options for players selected in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft
This is the first day that Howie Roseman can offer Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith long-term extensions. The expectation is that Carter will reset the market and could become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Jan 10-12 Wild Card Weekend powered by Verizon
Jan 17-18 Divisional Playoffs presented by Intuit TurboTax
Jan 25, AFC and NFC Championship Games presented by Intuit TurboTax.
February 8 Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
February 17 Franchise tag
Depending on the season, they have Dallas Goedert, Jordan Davis, or Kenyon Green, who could be a candidate for the franchise tag.
March 9-11 Free Agency "legal tampering" opens
Philadelphia will have over 30 players set to hit the open market.
April 23-25 NFL Draft (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Philadelphia currently has 13 picks and could acquire more.