NFL Offseason Kicks Off: Ravens, Rams, Packers and More Reveal 2026 Workout Schedules as Teams Gear Up for Draft

With the 2026 NFL offseason in full swing, teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced their detailed workout programs starting as early as April 6. These voluntary sessions mark the beginning of preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft and training camp, focusing on strength, conditioning and non-contact drills.

Baltimore Ravens lead the pack with offseason workouts starting April 6 as NFL teams ramp up for 2026 season.

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

The NFL offseason is heating up faster than a rookie quarterback under pressure. On Friday, the league released the official offseason workout dates for all 32 teams, signaling the start of a crucial period where coaches install schemes, players rebuild strength, and front offices fine-tune draft boards. For the Baltimore Ravens, Phase 1 kicks off April 6, putting them among the earliest starters in what's shaping up to be a competitive preparation race.

These workouts are no vacation. Structured in three phases under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, they emphasize player development without the risks of full contact. Phase 1 focuses on meetings, rehab, strength and conditioning – all voluntary for current players. It's the foundation where veterans shake off rust and newcomers get their first taste of team culture.

Ravens' Detailed Schedule Sets Tone for New Era

The Ravens, now under new head coach Jesse Minter, have a packed calendar. Phase 1 runs two weeks from April 6, limited to non-field work. Phase 2 follows with three weeks of on-field individual and group drills, perfect play walkthroughs, and offensive vs. defensive lineups – but no live contact or full team periods.

Phase 3 brings Organized Team Activities (OTAs), scheduled for May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4. These 10 days allow 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 drills, still contact-free. The Ravens' mandatory minicamp hits June 9-11, a key evaluation point before the NFL Draft. With a new coach, they can also hold a second voluntary veteran minicamp pre-draft.

This schedule is critical for Baltimore after a season that saw them miss playoffs. Minter, a defensive whiz from Michigan, aims to rebuild the Purple defense that once terrorized quarterbacks. Expect Lamar Jackson to lead voluntary sessions, honing his mobility while the team eyes draft picks to bolster the lines.

Rams, Bucs and Packers Join April 20 Start Line

Not to be outdone, the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers all launch Phase 1 on April 20. The Rams' program spans nine weeks, beginning with two weeks of meetings and conditioning. Their OTAs are set for May 26-27, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and June 11, capped by mandatory minicamp June 15-16.

For the Buccaneers, it's also an April 20 start, aligning with 21 other teams. This group represents a mix of contenders and rebuilders, all hungry to gain an edge. Green Bay, fresh off their annual meeting updates, uses this time to integrate young talent like their 2025 draft class while veterans like Jordan Love refine mechanics.

These dates aren't set in stone – teams can adjust – but they provide a roadmap. The 10 teams with new head coaches, including the Ravens, get flexibility for extra sessions, a nod to installation challenges.

Understanding the Three Phases: What Fans Need to Know

Phase 1 is all about the basics: rehab for injured stars, weight room grind, and film study. No pads, no fields – just building blocks. It's voluntary, so attendance varies, but stars like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow often show to set the tone.

Phase 2 introduces the field. Drills sharpen routes, coverage, blocking angles. Offense vs. defense is scripted, walkthrough speed only. This is where scheme installation accelerates, critical for new coordinators.

Phase 3 OTAs are the highlight. Full team looks without contact. Rookie minicamps follow the draft, typically first or second weekend post-selection. Mandatory minicamp is the only required session, often with full attendance and high stakes for roster spots.

Why does this matter? Injuries heal, chemistry builds, and draft prep intensifies. Teams starting earlier, like the Ravens, gain a head start on evaluations.

New Coaches Get Extra Tools in Workout Arsenal

Ten teams with new head coaches receive bonus flexibility. Beyond the Ravens, others can schedule additional veteran minicamps pre-draft. This helps install systems faster, vital after mid-season firings or retirements.

For Baltimore, Minter's defensive mind from college ranks promises innovation. Pair that with an early start, and the Ravens could emerge stronger. Fans are buzzing about potential draft targets at edge rusher or corner to complement Roquan Smith.

Rams Eye Redemption After Playoff Heartbreak

The Rams, fresh off an NFC Championship loss to Seattle in January 2026, use their April 20 start to regroup. Matthew Stafford's offseason presence is key; at 38, his arm talent remains elite, but durability is a watch point. Phase 3 OTAs will test young receivers against Jalen Ramsey's shutdown coverage.

Tampa Bay, holding the fort in the NFC South, starts similarly. Todd Bowles' defense needs reinforcement post-Vita Vea's wear. Baker Mayfield's resurgence last year sets high expectations; workouts will refine protections.

Packers' Annual Meeting Buzz Fuels Offseason Fire

Green Bay's updates from the NFL Annual Meeting on April 4 add context. President Ed Policy highlighted policy tweaks, but the focus shifts to April 20 workouts. Jordan Love's growth into a top QB hinges on these sessions, especially 11-on-11 reps.

The Packers' young core – Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft – benefits from early reps. With Aaron Jones still churning yards, the run game pairs perfectly with Love's deep ball.

League-Wide Implications for Draft and Beyond

Across the NFL, these schedules align with draft prep. The 2026 NFL Draft looms, with teams scouting via workouts. Early starters like Baltimore can host top prospects sooner post-draft for rookie minicamps.

Injury recoveries accelerate here. Think of players nursing Super Bowl aches – these phases are their runway back. Voluntary nature means stars opt-in, signaling commitment.

Standings from 2025 fade; now it's about building. Contenders like Chiefs (likely similar schedule) defend, while rebuilders like Panthers accelerate.

Fan Access and Media Blackout

OTAs are closed to public, preserving competitive edges. Media gets glimpses, fueling speculation. Social media leaks – helmet cams, sideline shots – become gold for fans starved since February's Super Bowl.

Expect TikTok breakdowns of Lamar's scrambles, Instagram stories from Stafford's throws. These workouts aren't glamorous but birth October fireworks.

Historical Context: Offseason Success Stories

Recall 2022 Chiefs: offseason grind propelled Mahomes' MVP run. Or 49ers' scheme installs under Shanahan. Early, structured programs correlate with deep playoff runs.

Ravens' 2019 Super Bowl? Harbaugh's workouts were pivotal. Minter channels that intensity now.

What's Next: Draft Whispers and Free Agency Echoes

Post-minicamp, eyes turn to draft. Ravens hold mid-round picks; trading up for a pass rusher buzzes. Rams eye trenches after Stafford protection issues.

Free agency dust settles, but workouts reveal fits. Unsigned vets eye invites. Rookie minicamps post-draft ignite fresh hype.

As April 6 nears, Ravens fans count days. NFL offseason – boring to some – is chess for 53-man rosters. These dates are first moves.Official NFL Scores

Team-by-Team Breakdown Expands Picture

Beyond headliners, all 32 teams schedule uniquely. Chiefs likely mid-April, syncing with Andy Reid's meticulous pace. Eagles, post-Super Bowl hopes dashed, grind early.

Comparisons sharpen: Ravens' April 6 vs. others' 20 gives two-week edge in reps. Critical for depth chart battles.

Player Development Focus in Voluntary Era

Voluntary label empowers players. Stars attend for legacy; journeymen for jobs. QBs like Love thrive in walkthroughs, diagnosing defenses.

Skill players hone separation; linemen footwork. No pads mean technique purity.

Injury Management: Rehab Ramp-Up

Phase 1 rehab saves seasons. ACL recoveries hit fields by OTAs. Ravens' Mark Andrews type returns stronger.

Coach Installation Challenges

New staffs like Minter's teach trees fast. Extra minicamps aid. Veterans mentor rookies early.

This 2026 offseason shapes contenders. From April 6 starts to June minicamps, the league rebuilds. Fans, gear up – football's whisper returns.