As the Green Bay Packers shift gears into offseason mode, the NFL calendar starts filling up fast - with key dates that shape everything from draft boards to salary cap strategy. Whether you're tracking the road to Super Bowl 60 or keeping an eye on roster moves, here's a breakdown of what lies ahead for the Packers and the league as a whole.
The Road to Super Bowl 60
January 25 - Conference Championship Sunday
We’re down to the NFL’s final four.
After the divisional round wraps, the AFC and NFC Championship Games will determine who punches their ticket to Levi’s Stadium. While the Packers won’t be in the mix this time, it’s still a great snapshot of what it takes to play deep into January - something Green Bay is building toward.
January 27 & 31 - College All-Star Games
The East-West Shrine Bowl (Jan. 27 in Texas) and the Senior Bowl (Jan. 31 in Alabama) are must-watch events for draft fans.
Even though the Packers don’t hold a first-round pick this year, these games are loaded with mid-round talent - the kind of players Green Bay has historically developed into key contributors. Look for scouts to be out in full force, evaluating prospects who could be wearing green and gold come spring.
February 3 - Pro Bowl Games
No Packers are expected to suit up this year, with Micah Parsons - the team’s lone selection - sidelined by injury. Still, the Pro Bowl weekend offers a lighter, more playful look at the league’s top talent and gives younger fans a chance to see stars in a different setting.
February 8 - Super Bowl 60
The NFL’s biggest stage heads to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Could the hometown 49ers make it a true home game? That remains to be seen.
Either way, the Super Bowl always serves as both the finale to one season and the unofficial kickoff to the next.
Draft Season and Free Agency Prep
February 23 - March 2 - NFL Scouting Combine
Indianapolis hosts the annual showcase where 40-yard dashes, bench presses, and interview rooms can make or break a prospect’s draft stock. The Packers’ front office will be watching closely, especially with needs to address across the roster.
March 3 - Franchise/Transition Tag Deadline
This is the last day teams can apply the franchise or transition tag to pending free agents - a key tool for keeping top talent from hitting the open market. The window opens February 17, but March 3 is the hard deadline.
March 9 - Legal Tampering Period Begins
At 11 a.m.
CT, teams can start negotiating with unrestricted free agents. While deals can’t be signed just yet, this is when the real action begins.
For the Packers, the list of UFAs includes quarterback Malik Willis, offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, linebacker Quay Walker, and wideout Romeo Doubs - all players with starting experience and potential market value.
March 11 - New League Year Begins
At 3 p.m.
CT, contracts can become official, trades can be finalized, and teams can start reshaping their rosters in earnest. Expect a flurry of moves league-wide - and don’t be surprised if the Packers make a few of their own.
March 29 - April 1 - League Meetings in Phoenix
This is where coaches, GMs, and owners gather to discuss rule changes, competition committee updates, and league-wide initiatives. While it’s more behind-the-scenes, decisions made here can impact how the game is played next season.
The Draft and Beyond
April 17 - RFA Offer Sheet Deadline
Restricted free agents - like defensive lineman Brenton Cox - have until this date to sign offer sheets from other teams. If they do, the Packers have until April 22 to decide whether to match the offer or let them walk in exchange for potential draft compensation.
April 23-25 - NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
Green Bay hosted the event last year, but this time the draft heads to Pittsburgh. With no first-rounder, the Packers will likely be working the middle rounds hard - an area where GM Brian Gutekunst and his staff have found value in recent years.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
May 1 - Rookie Minicamp Opens
Teams can choose to hold their three-day rookie camp between May 1-4 or May 8-11. Shortly after, rookie development programs begin May 11 - the first real taste of NFL life for the incoming class.
Mid-May - NFL Schedule Release
The exact date is still TBD, but the annual reveal is always a spectacle. While we don’t yet know the dates and times, we do know who the Packers will face - and that’s already enough to start circling a few matchups.
May 19-20 - Spring League Meetings in Orlando
Another round of league-wide discussions, often focused on business and policy matters. While less flashy than the draft or free agency, these meetings help shape the league’s direction.
June 1 - Key Salary Cap Date
Here’s where things get a little technical.
If a team releases a player after June 1, only that year’s prorated bonus and salary count against the cap - the rest hits next year’s books. It’s a way to spread out the financial impact, and teams can even designate players as “post-June 1” cuts ahead of time.
For cap-strapped teams (and even those just looking to create flexibility), this date matters.
Mid-July - Training Camp Begins
Rookies report first, followed by veterans.
Preseason games will kick off in late July or early August. While the exact schedule isn’t set, this is when the countdown to Week 1 truly begins.
The offseason might not come with weekly kickoffs, but it’s just as critical - especially for a team like the Packers, who are looking to take the next step. From draft prep to free agency decisions, the next few months will go a long way in shaping what Green Bay looks like when the lights come back on in September.