Baltimore Ravens Lead 2026 NFL Offseason Charge with Earliest Workouts Starting April 6 Ahead of Pittsburgh Draft

As the NFL's 2026 offseason workout programs officially launch, the Baltimore Ravens set the pace by kicking off Phase 1 on April 6, focusing on strength, conditioning and rehab while all 32 teams gear up for the April 23-25 Draft in Pittsburgh and a pivotal rebuilding phase.

Baltimore Ravens blaze the trail in the 2026 NFL offseason, launching Phase 1 workouts on April 6 as all 32 teams finalize schedules for the critical pre-draft ramp-up.

By Claire Donovan, NFL Correspondent | 2026-04-05

The NFL's 2026 offseason is officially underway, with the league announcing detailed workout programs for every team on Friday. This marks the start of a structured period designed to rebuild player strength, install new offensive and defensive schemes, and foster team chemistry ahead of the NFL Draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The Baltimore Ravens are leading the charge, beginning their Phase 1 activities on April 6, the earliest start across the league.

These offseason programs are divided into three distinct phases, each building progressively toward more dynamic work while adhering to strict no-contact rules. Phase 1, where the Ravens jump in first, is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning sessions, and rehabilitation for current players only. No on-field activities are permitted during this initial two-week window, ensuring a safe return to football operations after the long layoff from the previous season.

Ravens' Aggressive Schedule Signals Title Ambitions

The Ravens' decision to start early underscores their intent to get a head start in what promises to be a competitive offseason landscape. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the team will use these initial sessions to help key players like MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson shake off any playoff rust and focus on physical conditioning. Phase 1 runs for two full weeks, providing ample time for film study and individualized rehab programs tailored to the roster's needs.

Following Phase 1, the Ravens transition into Phase 2, which introduces three weeks of on-field individual and group drills. This stage allows for perfect play walkthroughs and offensive versus defensive lineups at a controlled pace, but live contact remains strictly prohibited. It's a crucial bridge that lets coordinators experiment with personnel groupings without risking injury.

Phase 3 brings the excitement of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), scheduled for the Ravens on May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4. These 10 voluntary days introduce 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 drills, all non-contact, giving the first real glimpse of how the team integrates as a unit. OTAs are closed to the public, allowing Harbaugh and his staff to freely test strategies for the upcoming season.

Capping the program is the mandatory minicamp from June 9-11, where fines apply for unexcused absences, ensuring high attendance. This intense few days serves as the final major evaluation before training camp, with the added possibility of a second voluntary veteran minicamp pre-draft under the new coaching staff dynamics.

Other Contenders Follow Suit: Rams, Packers, and Bucs Start April 20

Not far behind, the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all launch their Phase 1 on April 20, creating a cluster of early starters hungry to build momentum. For the Rams, this nine-week program begins with two weeks of meetings, conditioning, and rehab, setting the foundation for their pass-heavy offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Rams' OTAs are locked in for May 26-27, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and June 11, followed by mandatory minicamp on June 15-16. This timeline allows head coach Sean McVay to refine schemes and integrate any free agency additions, with a focus on getting Stafford and his receivers back in rhythm early.

The Green Bay Packers, coming off a strong previous campaign, mirror this approach with their April 20 Phase 1 start. Their program emphasizes building depth at key positions, particularly in the secondary and offensive line, as they eye another deep playoff run. Packers' OTAs and minicamp dates align closely with league peers, positioning them well for draft preparations.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers join the April 20 group, using the early window to address roster gaps filled during free agency. With a focus on quarterback development and defensive tweaks, their phased approach will be pivotal in maintaining their status as NFC contenders.

Understanding the Three Phases: A Blueprint for Success

Every NFL team's offseason program follows the same three-phase structure, governed by the collective bargaining agreement to protect player health. Phase 1 is purely restorative: think weight room grind, classroom sessions dissecting film, and targeted rehab for lingering issues from the prior year. It's voluntary, but many players attend to chase workout bonuses embedded in their contracts.

Phase 2 ramps up the intensity with on-field work. Teams conduct individual drills, group position work, and even offensive-defensive matchups at walkthrough speed. No helmets required, no tackling—it's all about technique and timing. This phase typically lasts three weeks and is still voluntary, though attendance builds team cohesion.

Phase 3 OTAs represent the pinnacle of voluntary work, with 10 allowable practice days spread over four weeks. Here, 7-on-7 passing drills shine, allowing quarterbacks to test reads against live coverage. 9-on-9 and 11-on-11 segments simulate game flow without the pads, helping coaches evaluate draft prospects mentally even before they're on the roster.

Mandatory minicamp follows OTAs, usually 3-4 days of mandatory attendance. It's the dress rehearsal for training camp, with higher stakes and fuller rosters. Absences incur fines, making it the most accountable segment of the offseason calendar.

Why Early Starts Matter in the Draft Era

In a league where the draft in Pittsburgh looms large from April 23-25, an early start like the Ravens' provides a competitive edge. Coaches can accelerate scheme installation, giving veterans extra reps to mentor incoming rookies. For Baltimore, this means Lamar Jackson getting comfortable with any new receivers or tweaks to their run-pass option heavy attack.

Teams starting later, say in mid-April, still have ample time but miss the psychological boost of being first out of the gate. The Ravens' schedule allows them to potentially hold a pre-draft veteran minicamp, a luxury for new regimes or teams with significant turnover. This flexibility could prove decisive in a draft class rich with quarterback and edge rusher talent.

Lamar Jackson and Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Lamar Jackson headlines the Ravens' offseason storyline. As the league's premier dual-threat, his participation in Phase 1 conditioning will set the tone for Baltimore's explosive offense. Watch for how he builds chemistry with wideouts like Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor during later phases.

Defensive stars like Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton will use these sessions to refine techniques against evolving offensive trends. With new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter potentially bringing fresh wrinkles, early reps could solidify Baltimore's top-ranked defense from the prior year.

For the Rams, Matthew Stafford's arm talent will be on display in OTAs, testing new route combinations. Green Bay's Jordan Love continues his ascent, using the program to solidify his starting role. Tampa's Baker Mayfield aims to prove his resurgence amid roster tweaks.

Broader League Implications and Draft Tie-Ins

The synchronized release of these schedules highlights the NFL's emphasis on player safety and structured development. With the draft in Pittsburgh just weeks away, front offices are in overdrive, using workout intel to refine big boards. Teams like the Ravens, with high draft capital, could leverage early momentum to target blue-chip talents.

Free agency moves from earlier in the offseason—signings at premium positions like edge and corner—will be stress-tested here. Injuries from the prior playoffs, though healed by now, get monitored closely in rehab-focused Phase 1.

As all 32 teams dive in, rivalries reignite off the field. AFC North foes like the Bengals and Steelers, with their own mid-April starts, will watch Baltimore closely. NFC battles between Rams, Packers, and Bucs add intrigue to the preparation race.

Voluntary vs. Mandatory: The Incentive Structure

Most sessions through OTAs are voluntary, but financial incentives drive turnout. Workout bonuses, often $500,000 or more for stars, reward participation. Contracts tie pay to offseason engagement, blending motivation with team building.

Mandatory minicamp changes the dynamic—full attendance expected, with fines escalating daily. It's the accountability checkpoint, where holdouts or contract disputes surface publicly.

Looking Ahead to Training Camp and Beyond

These programs bridge directly to late-July training camps, where pads finally crack. Success here translates to sharper installations, fewer summer injuries, and stronger draft classes. For the Ravens, an early start positions them as Super Bowl favorites in waiting.

Fans can track progress through team social channels, though OTAs remain private. The offseason whisper of football returns, building hype toward the 2026 regular season kickoff.

With the NFL Annual Meeting wrapping up key policy updates, attention shifts squarely to these workouts. Pittsburgh awaits the draft spectacle, but the real work starts now in Baltimore and beyond.

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