NFL 2026 Offseason Workout Programs Kick Off: Ravens Lead with April 6 Start, Key Dates for All Teams Before Pittsburgh Draft

The NFL's 2026 offseason workout schedules are set, with the Baltimore Ravens starting Phase 1 on April 6. From voluntary OTAs to mandatory minicamps, teams gear up for the April 23-25 Draft in Pittsburgh amid crucial roster rebuilding.

Baltimore Ravens set to pioneer the 2026 NFL offseason with Phase 1 workouts starting April 6, as all 32 teams finalize schedules ahead of the Pittsburgh Draft.

By James Whitfield, Sports Editor | 2026-04-04

The NFL announced the official 2026 offseason workout programs on Friday, marking the beginning of a critical period for player development and team preparation. With Super Bowl LIX in the rearview after the 2025 regular season, all eyes now turn to the offseason grind. These structured programs, divided into three phases, allow teams to rebuild strength, install new schemes, and build chemistry without the intensity of full contact.

Phase 1 emphasizes meetings, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation for current players only. No on-field work occurs during this initial stage, ensuring a safe ramp-up after the long layoff. Teams like the Ravens are jumping in early, signaling their intent to hit the ground running.

Baltimore Ravens Lead the Early Starters

The Ravens kick off Phase 1 on April 6, the earliest start among all teams. This two-week window will focus exclusively on rehab, conditioning, and film study, helping players like MVP Lamar Jackson shake off any rust from the playoffs. Jackson's dual-threat prowess was pivotal last season, and an early start gives Baltimore a head start in refining his game.

Phase 2 follows immediately with three weeks of individual drills, group instruction, and walk-throughs. Offensive and defensive players can line up against each other at a controlled pace, but live contact remains strictly prohibited. This phase is key for installing base schemes without risking injury.

Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Phase 3 are scheduled for May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4—totaling 10 days over four weeks. These sessions introduce 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 drills, all non-contact, providing the first real taste of team integration. OTAs are closed to the public, allowing head coach John Harbaugh to experiment freely with personnel groupings.

The Ravens cap their voluntary program with mandatory minicamp from June 9-11. This is when attendance becomes required, and coaches can push harder on fundamentals. Voluntary minicamp is set for April 20-22, perfectly timed just before the draft to scout potential rookies.

For Baltimore, coming off a deep playoff run, these workouts are about maintaining momentum. Eyes will be on the offensive line, which needs reinforcement, and the secondary, where youth must step up. Lamar Jackson's participation is crucial, as workout bonuses in contracts often incentivize stars like him to attend.

Los Angeles Rams Gear Up from April 20

The Los Angeles Rams begin their offseason program on April 20, aligning with several other teams including the 10 new-coach franchises. Phase 1 lasts two weeks, limited to meetings, strength training, and physical rehab. This controlled environment helps veterans like quarterback Matthew Stafford recover from the rigors of the previous campaign.

Rams' Phase 2 mirrors the league standard: three weeks of on-field drills without pads or contact. Coaches can run perfect play drills and scout-team walk-throughs, essential for a team looking to rebound. The Rams' defensive front, a strength last year, will use this time to integrate any free agency additions.

Phase 3 OTAs are slated for May 26-27, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and June 11. These 10 days allow for competitive non-contact work, critical for a pass-heavy offense led by Stafford. No live contact keeps players safe as they build toward training camp.

Mandatory minicamp follows on June 15-16, the crescendo of the offseason program. For the Rams, this period is vital after a season of inconsistencies. Head coach Sean McVay thrives in these settings, often unveiling wrinkles that become staples in the regular season.

Green Bay Packers Join Mid-April Push

The Green Bay Packers commence Phase 1 on April 20, part of the group including teams with new coaching staffs. This timing allows for a deliberate build-up, focusing on conditioning and meetings. Jordan Love and the young core will benefit from this structured approach.

Packers' program follows the phased structure, with Phase 2 emphasizing drills and Phase 3 OTAs spread across late May and early June. Mandatory elements ensure full participation, setting the stage for draft preparations. Green Bay's receiving corps, a focal point after free agency, will see heavy reps.

Across the league, 10 teams with new head coaches start voluntary minicamps in mid-April, using them for pre-draft evaluations. This is huge for roster projection, as coaches assess needs before selecting in Pittsburgh.

Understanding the Three Phases in Depth

Phase 1 is purely restorative: strength, conditioning, meetings, and rehab. No footballs are thrown or caught; it's about physical readiness. This phase typically lasts two weeks, giving players time to acclimate individually.

Phase 2 introduces football-specific work. Teams conduct individual drills, perfect play sessions, and offensive vs. defensive walk-throughs. Pads are optional, but contact is banned to prevent early injuries. This builds muscle memory safely.

Phase 3, the OTAs, is where excitement builds. Up to 10 days of 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 allow for timing, route-running, and coverage work. Still no contact, but the intensity ramps up, simulating game speed.

Mandatory minicamp follows, often 3-4 days of heightened focus. Fines apply for unexcused absences, ensuring near-full attendance. This is the last major touch before summer, bridging to training camp.

All voluntary phases tie into contract incentives for many players. Stars like Jackson and Stafford have bonuses for participation, blending motivation with team goals.

Strategic Importance for Playoff Contenders

For teams like the Ravens, fresh off playoffs, these workouts maintain edge. Early starts allow more reps, crucial for complex defenses under Mike Macdonald. Baltimore's run game, elite last year, needs line depth addressed via draft.

Rams aim to recapture NFC West dominance. Stafford's accuracy in OTAs will signal health; McVay's schemes evolve here. Free agency moves, if any, integrate seamlessly in non-contact settings.

Packers focus on Love's development. Phase 3 reps with new receivers could define their ceiling. New coach dynamics, if applicable, settle in these controlled environments.

League-wide, these programs address injuries from 2025. Rehab focus in Phase 1 aids recoveries, while drills sharpen skills. With draft looming, GMs scout internally to pinpoint needs.

Build-Up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

The April 23-25 Draft in Pittsburgh caps the early offseason. Voluntary minicamps pre-draft evaluate fits; post-draft, rookies join. For early starters like Ravens, timing aligns perfectly.

Pittsburgh hosting adds buzz—Steelers' home turf. Teams use workouts to mock draft boards internally. Needs like QB depth, edge rushers, and corners dominate mocks.

Ravens eye trenches; Rams offensive weapons; Packers secondary help. These programs inform selections, with OTA reps post-draft integrating picks.

Voluntary vs. Mandatory: What It Means

Voluntary nature protects players from overwork, per CBA. But culture matters—top teams see 90% attendance. Bonuses sweeten deals for participants.

Mandatory minicamp enforces unity. Coaches fine holdouts, but rarely needed for pros. This structure balances player welfare with preparation.

Team-by-Team Highlights

Early birds like Ravens gain advantage. Mid-starters (April 20) like Rams, Packers standardize. Later teams follow, but all converge by OTAs.

Focus on stars: Jackson's mobility, Stafford's arm, Love's growth. Injuries rehabbed, schemes installed—offseason sets regular season tone.

Looking Ahead to Training Camp

Post-minicamp, a break precedes July training camps with contact. Offseason lays foundation; camps add physicality. Super Bowl LX looms distant but drives all.

Fans track attendance, viral clips from open practices. These quiet weeks spark offseason narratives.

Official NFL Scores

These programs signal 2026 reset. From Ravens' early jump to league-wide sync, preparation defines contenders.

Note: Scores and facts were verified live before publication; for ongoing games, only the clearly confirmed score at time of writing is used.