The Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror, meaning the NFL’s collective focus is now on constructing their teams for the 2026 season. Here are the important events and deadlines to be aware of leading up to the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh:
Feb. 23 – March 2: NFL Combine, Indianapolis
It’s not real football, but the combine marks draft season shifting into top gear. Official measurements, 40 times, player interviews, and more play a massive role in forming big boards. This year’s main schedule will go as follows (a more complete one can be found here):
- Feb. 26: Kicker, defensive line, and linebacker measurements and workouts
- Feb. 27: Defensive back and tight end measurements and workouts
- Feb. 28: Quarterback, running back, and wide receiver measurements and workouts
- March 1: Offensive line measurements and workouts
March 3: Franchise tag deadline
Teams have from Feb. 17 to 4 p.m. EST March 3 to franchise tag players. The Steelers don’t have any expected franchise tag candidates, but tags from other teams still affect the upcoming free agent market.
March 9-11: Legal tampering period
Beginning noon EST on March 9, NFL free agency (unofficially) starts. Players and teams can agree to contracts that can’t be signed until the new league year — but this is still the window when most of the blockbuster signings are announced.
March 11: New NFL year
At 4 p.m. EST March 11, the new NFL year officially begins. Old contracts expire and free agent signings can become official.
April 6: Steelers can start offseason workout programs
As a team with a new head coach, the Steelers can start their offseason workout program two weeks before the teams with returning coaches.
April 17: Restricted free agent offer sheet deadline
The Steelers’ RFAs this offseason are outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, center Ryan McCollum, punter Corliss Waitman, and defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo. This will be the deadline for them to sign an offer sheet with a team.
April 22: Right of first refusal/draft visit deadline
This date is the deadline for teams to match an offer sheet an RFA signed with another team, therefore retaining the player. It’s also the last day for teams to meet with draft-eligible players.
April 23-25: 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh
Over this weekend, the 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Steelers country: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As always, Day 1 will feature the first round, Day 2 rounds 2-3, and Day 3 rounds 4-7.
The Steelers are slated to pick 21st in the first round for another year. They are currently projected to have 12 picks in total in 2026.
May 1: Fifth-year option deadline for 2023 draft class
This is the deadline for the Steelers to exercise left tackle Broderick Jones’ fifth-year option for the 2027 season. If they choose not to, he’ll be slated to hit free agency following the 2026 season.
Stay tuned to BTSC for offseason coverage, including news and analysis of the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency, ahead of the upcoming season.