As the 2025 NFL offseason kicks off following Super Bowl LIX, teams are making critical financial and roster decisions that will shape their future. With salary cap considerations, player guarantees, contract voids, and free agency looming, these early offseason dates will significantly impact the league landscape.
Here’s a comprehensive look at key dates and their implications for NFL teams, player contracts, and the 2025 salary cap.
Key 2025 NFL Offseason Dates
February 10 – Start of 2025 NFL Waiver Period
- The waiver system for 2025 begins. Players with fewer than four years of service must clear waivers before signing with a new team.
- Veteran players (four or more years of service) become free agents immediately upon release.
Notable Player Contract Implications
- Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown: The remaining $6.571 million of his $18.971 million 2025 base salary is now fully guaranteed.
- Bills tight end Dawson Knox: An additional $4.25 million of his 2025 salary is now fully guaranteed.
February 14 – Key Player Guarantees and Contract Voids
- Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love: His $6.035 million 2025 base salary becomes fully guaranteed.
- Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson: $10 million of his $20 million 2025 salary is now fully guaranteed.
- Contracts of 13 NFL players void, including:
- 49ers LB De’Vondre Campbell
- Jets TE Tyler Conklin
- Steelers WR Mike Williams
- Lions edge rusher Marcus Davenport
These players become unrestricted free agents on March 12.
February 17 – Major Contract Voids Continue
- The contracts of 28 players void, making them unrestricted free agents on March 12. Notable names include:
- Bills WR Amari Cooper
- Texans WR Stefon Diggs
- Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins
- Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat
February 18 – Franchise Tag Period Begins
- Teams have 15 days to franchise tag or transition tag players.
- Projected franchise tag amounts (based on a $275M salary cap):
- Quarterback: $39.64M
- Wide Receiver: $24.85M
- Edge Rusher: $23.10M
February 24 – March 3 – NFL Scouting Combine
- Held in Indianapolis, this is a key evaluation event for upcoming NFL Draft prospects.
- Agent-team negotiations for upcoming free agents occur, despite NFL tampering rules.
March 4 – Franchise Tag Deadline
- Teams must designate franchise or transition tags by 4 PM ET.
March 10-12 – Legal Free Agency Tampering Period
- Teams can negotiate contract terms with unrestricted free agents but cannot sign them until March 12.
- Coaches and team staff cannot communicate with players who are self-represented.
March 12 – The 2025 NFL League Year Begins
Key events:
- 2024 league year officially ends at 3:59:59 PM ET
- The 2025 NFL league year begins at 4 PM ET
- Free agency opens
- NFL trading period begins
Significant Player Contract Impacts
- Buccaneers DT Greg Gaines, Chargers EDGE Khalil Mack, and Saints TE Juwan Johnson’s contracts void.
- Chargers EDGE Joey Bosa: $12.36 million roster bonus due.
March 14 – Key Player Salary Guarantees and Roster Bonuses
- Eagles QB Jalen Hurts: Remaining $20.16 million of $51 million 2026 salary is fully guaranteed.
- Eagles WR A.J. Brown: His $28.75 million 2026 salary is fully guaranteed.
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: $16.65 million 2025 base salary now fully guaranteed.
- Chiefs DT Chris Jones: $15 million roster bonus due.
March 16 – Option Deadlines & More Guarantees
- Bills QB Josh Allen: $25 million roster bonus due.
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson: $22.5 million payment required to lower his $42.75 million 2025 salary to $20.25 million.
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott: $40 million 2026 salary now fully guaranteed.
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa: $54 million 2026 salary fully guaranteed.
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow: $35.25 million 2026 salary now fully guaranteed.
- Packers QB Jordan Love: $39.5 million 2026 salary fully guaranteed.
March 21 – Final Key Contract Options & Guarantees
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow: $10 million payment required to pick up his 2029 contract year.
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert: $45 million payment due for 2029 contract year.
- 49ers WR Deebo Samuel: $15.43 million option due.
Final Takeaways
The early 2025 NFL offseason is packed with contractual deadlines, player salary guarantees, and franchise tag decisions that will shape rosters for the upcoming season. March 12 marks the beginning of free agency, and teams will aggressively pursue top talent while also managing salary cap constraints.
With top quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert securing major contract guarantees, expect teams to make strategic roster moves to stay competitive while managing cap space efficiently.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
