Key Points
- The NFL has officially released the full 2026 league schedule, outlining key offseason and in‑season dates.
- Free agency opens March 11, with negotiations allowed days prior.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23–25 in Pittsburgh.
- The Scouting Combine runs February 23–March 2 in Indianapolis.
- Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium.
NFL Unveils 2026 Calendar, Setting the Stage for Detroit’s Next Chapter
The NFL has announced its complete 2026 league calendar, giving the Detroit Lions — along with all 32 teams — a detailed roadmap for the upcoming season. The schedule outlines every major milestone, from free agency to the draft, marking the official countdown to the next campaign.
For front offices, these dates shape roster construction and long‑term planning. For fans, they signal the beginning of another year of anticipation.
Key Offseason Events and Deadlines
The 2026 league year officially begins March 11, when free agency opens. Teams may begin negotiating with free agents in the days leading up to that date.
Several important deadlines fall earlier in the year:
- Franchise tag window: February 17–March 3
- Fifth‑year option deadline for 2023 first‑round picks: May 1
The NFL Draft will be held April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, preceded by the annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2.
These events form the backbone of the offseason, shaping roster decisions across the league.
What the Schedule Means for the Detroit Lions
For the Lions, the newly released calendar provides a clear structure for building their 2026 roster. With official dates locked in, the organization can map out contract extensions, free‑agency priorities, and draft strategies with precision.
Each milestone — from combine evaluations to draft weekend — serves as a strategic checkpoint as Detroit continues shaping its long‑term vision.
The schedule also lays out the full journey from offseason workouts to the championship stage. Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in California.
What Happens Next?
With the 2026 calendar now public, teams will begin aligning their offseason plans around the league’s official timeline. For the Lions, the next several months will be defined by scouting, roster evaluations, and strategic decision‑making as they prepare for another push toward contention.
