NFL Offseason 2026: OTA and Minicamp Dates Released for All 32 Teams

The NFL has officially released the calendar for the 2026 offseason workout programs, providing a structured roadmap for teams as they transition from the previous season toward the 2026 regular season kickoff on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Seattle. For players, coaches, and fans, these dates represent more than just a schedule; they are the strictly regulated windows where roster chemistry is built and new schemes are installed.

These programs are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ensuring a balance between team preparation and player health. The 2026 schedule is divided into three distinct phases, each with specific limitations on the type of activity permitted on the practice field.

Understanding the Three Phases of the NFL Offseason

To the casual observer, “offseason workouts” might seem like a monolith, but the league separates them into phases to prevent premature fatigue and injury. Here is the breakdown of how these windows operate under Article 21 of the CBA.

Phase One: Foundation and Recovery

The first two weeks of a club’s official voluntary nine-week program are dedicated to the basics. During Phase One, activities are strictly limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation. No on-field football activity is permitted during this window, as the focus remains on getting players back into game shape and reviewing the previous season’s tape.

Phase Two: Individual and Group Instruction

The following three weeks mark Phase Two. What we have is where players first return to the grass, but the intensity remains controlled. On-field workouts may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play drills.”

A key restriction in Phase Two is the pace and contact level. Drills involving offensive and defensive players lining up across from one another must be conducted at a walk-through pace. Live contact and team offense vs. Team defense drills are strictly prohibited.

Phase Three: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)

The final four weeks of the program comprise Phase Three, which includes the highly publicized Organized Team Activities, or OTAs. Teams are permitted to conduct a total of 10 days of OTA activity. Although live contact remains forbidden, the complexity of the drills increases. Teams can run 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, allowing coaching staffs to test timing and spacing in a more realistic team environment.

The Minicamp Hierarchy: Mandatory vs. Voluntary

Beyond the three phases, the NFL utilizes minicamps to bridge the gap between voluntary workouts and the start of training camp. These are not all the same, and the distinction is critical for player attendance.

Mandatory Minicamps: Under Article 22 of the CBA, clubs may hold one mandatory minicamp for veteran players. This event must occur during Phase Three of the offseason program. As the name implies, attendance is required for veterans.

Voluntary Veteran Minicamps: These are special sessions reserved for teams with new head coaches. This year, 10 clubs will hold voluntary veteran minicamps. To be compliant, these must occur before the NFL Draft (scheduled for April 23-25), but no earlier than week three of the club’s workout program and after at least one week of Phase One activities.

Rookie Minicamps: These sessions follow the draft and are designed to integrate new arrivals into the system. While the NFL has not yet circulated the specific dates for each club’s rookie minicamps, the rookie football development program may begin as early as May 11, 2026.

2026 Offseason Schedule: Key Team Dates

While the full league calendar is extensive, several teams have already locked in their primary windows. Below are the verified dates for a selection of clubs as announced by the NFL and reported via ESPN.

Strategic Implications for the 2026 Season

The timing of these workouts is particularly pivotal for the 10 teams employing new head coaches. The ability to hold an additional voluntary veteran minicamp prior to the draft allows these coaches to evaluate the existing roster’s strengths and weaknesses before deciding which players to target during the April 23-25 draft window.

For the players, the transition from Phase Two to Phase Three is where the mental load increases. While the “walk-through” pace of Phase Two allows for technical correction, the 11-on-11 drills of Phase Three are where timing between quarterbacks and receivers is truly tested. Because live contact is prohibited, these sessions are less about physicality and more about “mental reps” and synchronization.

the start of the rookie football development program on May 11 marks the first time the league’s newest additions will be immersed in professional protocols, providing a critical bridge before they join the veteran ranks in the final stages of the offseason program.

Key Takeaways for 2026 Offseason

• Draft Dates: The NFL Draft takes place April 23-25.
• Season Opener: The regular season begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Seattle.
• CBA Structure: Programs are split into Phase 1 (Recovery), Phase 2 (Walk-throughs), and Phase 3 (OTAs).
• Contact Rules: No live contact is permitted during any phase of the voluntary offseason workout program.
• Mandatory Sessions: Each club may hold one mandatory minicamp for veterans during Phase 3.

The next major checkpoint for the league will be the circulation of specific rookie minicamp dates, which will follow the conclusion of the NFL Draft in late April.

What are your expectations for your team’s offseason progress? Let us know in the comments below.