With the 2026 NFL offseason well underway for the Indianapolis Colts, let’s take a look at important dates to know about in the coming months.
Despite another missed postseason — their fifth in a row — the Colts are sticking with Chris Ballard as their general manager.
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As principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon described, everyone was very encouraged by the Colts’ start to the season in 2025, and there is a belief that this success can be replicated in 2026.
But in order to do that, there will have to be changes made, and players added to the roster. Regardless of how the first 10 games went, ending the season on a seven-game losing streak tells us that things aren’t good enough.
Last offseason, we saw Ballard take a more aggressive approach in free agency. From the sounds of it, he could do the same again this offseason.
So with roster reshaping likely on the horizon for the Colts, here are some key dates to know about.
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Feb. 23 – Mar. 2
The NFL Scouting Combine.
Mar. 3
Deadline for teams to designate franchise or transition tag players.
Mar. 9-11
The free agency legal tampering period is open. Teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents.
Mar. 11
Players can officially sign their new free agent deals.
Mar. 29 – Apr. 1
NFL annual league meeting
Apr. 17
Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
Apr. 20
Teams with returning head coaches can begin offseason workout programs.
Apr. 23-25
The NFL draft. This year it is being held in Pittsburgh.
May 1
Deadline for teams to exercise fifth year options.
May 1-4 or May 8-11
Teams can hold their rookie minicamps on one of these dates.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Important dates to know for 2026 NFL offseason