As the NFL offseason kicks off following the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, managing the salary cap and contract details is becoming increasingly crucial for all teams. Decisions made at this early stage can significantly impact a team’s future.

This article outlines critical offseason timelines leading up to the first ten days of the 2025 league year, commencing on March 12. Some of these dates are relevant for the entire league, while others specifically relate to individual player contracts and salary cap implications. Key players are discussed according to the relevant dates, while less prominent players are covered on less active contract dates.

February 10 (Day Following Super Bowl 2024)

1. The 2025 waiver period officially begins. Players with under four years of service can be claimed by other teams, while those with four or more years become free agents immediately upon release.

2. Significant contract guarantees become activated. Offensive tackle Spencer Brown’s remaining $6.571 million of his $18.971 million base salary for 2025 is now fully guaranteed. Additionally, tight end Dawson Knox sees $8.75 million of his $9.25 million base salary guaranteed due to injury.

February 12 (Three Days Post Final Game of 2024 League Year)

The San Francisco 49ers void the contract years for linebacker Fred Warner for 2025 and 2026, with an option to reinstate these contracts before February 14 for a $3.6 million payment.

February 14 (Fifth Day of Waiver Period)

1. The salaries of two Seahawks players are fully guaranteed. Safety Julian Love’s $6.035 million base salary for 2025 is now completely guaranteed. Similarly, a portion of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu’s contract becomes fully secure.

2. Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson’s contract also sees $10 million become fully guaranteed.

3. Thirteen players from various teams have their contracts voided, making them unrestricted free agents at the start of the 2025 league year.

February 17 (23 Days Before 2025 League Year Begins)

The contracts of 28 players void, including notable names like Eagles linebacker Zack Baun and Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper. All players involved will become unrestricted free agents when the 2025 league year begins on March 12.

February 18 (22 Days Before 2025 League Year Begins)

The 15-day window opens for teams to designate franchise or transition players, which has substantial financial implications based on the projected 2025 salary cap.

February 19 (10th Day of Waiver Period)

Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick’s contracts for 2025 through 2028 are voided, making him an unrestricted free agent on March 12.

February 24-March 3

During the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, teams often engage informally with the agents of potential free agents, despite NFL rules against these discussions.

March 2 (10 Days Prior to 2025 League Year)

Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley see their contracts void, placing them in the unrestricted free agency pool.

March 4 (Eight Days Prior to 2025 League Year)

The window for designating franchise or transition players closes at 4 PM ET.

March 10-12

Teams can begin negotiations with agents of impending unrestricted free agents from March 10 at noon until March 12 at 3:59:59 PM. Self-represented players may interact with team executives, but staff from their current teams cannot contact them unless they participate as their own agents.

March 12 (End of 2024 League Year)

1. The 2024 league year concludes at 3:59:59 p.m. ET.
2. Several player contracts, including those of key defensive tackles and edge rushers for various teams, will void.

March 12 (First Day of 2025 League Year)

1. The top 51 salaries cap rule takes effect, counting only the top salaries against the cap until the offseason ends.
2. The 2025 season and free agency commence at 4 p.m. ET.

March 13 (Second Day of 2025 League Year)

Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has a roster bonus due.

March 14 (Third Day of 2025 League Year)

Multiple Eagles offensive players trigger contract guarantees, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Key Chiefs players also see important guarantees take effect.

March 16 (Fourth Day of 2025 League Year)

This day marks a seven-day opportunity for the Lions to decide on options involving three of their key players.

March 21 (10th Day of 2025 League Year)

1. The Bengals must decide whether to exercise an option for quarterback Joe Burrow to modify his contract.
2. The Chargers face a similar decision regarding quarterback Justin Herbert.