NFL 2026 Offseason Workout Programs Kick Off: Key Dates for Ravens, Rams, Packers and All 32 Teams Revealed

The NFL has unveiled the official 2026 offseason workout schedules for every team, with Phase 1 starting as early as April 6 for the Baltimore Ravens. From voluntary minicamps to OTAs and mandatory minicamps, here's what fans need to know ahead of the April 23-25 Draft in Pittsburgh.

The NFL's 2026 offseason workout programs are officially underway, with teams like the Baltimore Ravens starting Phase 1 as soon as April 6.

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

The league announced the dates on Friday, setting the stage for nine weeks of voluntary activities designed to rebuild strength, install schemes, and foster team chemistry before the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. These programs are divided into three phases: Phase 1 focuses on meetings, strength training, and rehab; Phase 2 introduces on-field drills without contact; and Phase 3 brings Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 sessions, still no live contact. All activities except mandatory minicamps are voluntary, though workout bonuses in contracts incentivize participation for stars like Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore Ravens Lead the Way

The Ravens kick off earliest among early starters, with their first day on April 6. Phase 1 runs two weeks, limited to rehab, conditioning, and film study for current players. Phase 2 follows seamlessly with three weeks of individual drills and walk-throughs against scout teams, no pads required.

OTAs are set for May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4—10 days total over four weeks. These sessions are closed to the public, allowing head coach John Harbaugh to experiment freely. Mandatory minicamp caps it June 9-11. Eyes will be on MVP Lamar Jackson, whose dual-threat ability needs sharpening after last season's deep playoff run. New additions from free agency and potential draft picks will integrate here, building on Baltimore's stout defense.

Voluntary minicamp hits April 20-22, a key window before the draft to evaluate rookies post-selection. The Ravens' schedule positions them perfectly to hit the ground running toward another AFC North title chase.

Los Angeles Rams Gear Up Pre-Draft

The Rams delay their start to April 20, aligning closely with the draft just days later. Phase 1 spans two weeks of meetings and conditioning, vital for a squad reloading after recent playoff heartbreaks. Strength and rehab take priority, especially for an aging core needing to peak for September.

OTAs ramp up May 26-27, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and June 11, giving Sean McVay ample time to tweak his high-powered offense. Mandatory minicamp is June 15-16, shorter than most but intense. This timing lets the Rams scout draft prospects in person before workouts, potentially fast-tracking rookies into schemes.

Los Angeles enters this offseason with questions at quarterback and edge rusher, making these workouts crucial for depth chart battles. Fans hope OTAs reveal breakout candidates from last year's late-round gems.

Green Bay Packers and NFC North Rivals

The Packers join the April 20 starters, launching Phase 1 on Monday for strength rebuilding after a solid but unsatisfying 2025 campaign. Jordan Love's development hinges on these sessions, where timing and chemistry with receivers like Christian Watson get refined.

Packers' OTAs and minicamp details align with league norms, emphasizing no-contact reps to avoid spring injuries. Meanwhile, NFC North foes like Detroit and Minnesota follow similar timelines, setting up an early divisional tone through competitive practices.

Green Bay's program underscores their youth movement, with draft capital likely targeting trenches to protect Love and pressure opponents.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Late Starters

The Bucs also begin April 20, one of 21 teams in that wave, ending with June minicamp. Their nine-week arc prioritizes Baker Mayfield's continuity and Todd Bowles' defensive tweaks. Offseason momentum could propel Tampa back into NFC contention.

Full League Schedule Breakdown

Early birds like the Ravens (April 6) and Falcons/Bills (April 7) gain a head start, while most cluster around April 20. Voluntary minicamps dot mid-April for 10 new-coach teams, pre-draft evaluations key for roster fits.

Arizona Cardinals: Voluntary minicamp April 21-23, OTAs May 18-19, 21, 26-27, 29, June 1-2, 4; minicamp June 8-10. Atlanta Falcons: Starts April 7, minicamp April 21-23, OTAs May 18-19, 21, 26-27, 29, June 8-9, 11; mandatory June 16-18. Buffalo Bills: April 7 start, minicamp April 20-22, OTAs May 18-19, 21, 26-28, June 1-4; minicamp June 9-11.

Carolina Panthers delay to April 20, OTAs May 26-27, 29, June 1-2, 4. This variance allows tailored prep, with colder-climate teams perhaps pacing for weather.

Phase Details and Player Impact

Phase 1's no-field restriction protects against injury, letting coordinators like Baltimore's Todd Monken install complex passing concepts mentally. Phase 2 introduces 'perfect play' drills, 7-on-7 beginnings, and offense-defense walkthroughs at half-speed—ideal for timing without risk.

Phase 3 OTAs escalate to full 11-on-11, competitive yet safe, where battles for roster spots ignite. Rookies post-draft jump in, often shining here before training camp. Veterans chase bonuses; absences spark speculation, as with holdouts past.

For rebuilding teams like the Panthers, these phases rebuild culture post-Frank Reich. Contenders like Ravens refine Super Bowl paths.

Draft Proximity Shapes Strategies

With the draft April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, late starters like Rams and Packers arrive fresh, absorbing picks immediately. Early programs like Ravens' allow free agent bonds pre-draft, scouting synergies.

Ten teams with new coaches hold voluntary minicamps pre-draft, accelerating installs. Rookie minicamps follow draft, mandatory for first-year players. This calendar synchronizes offseason to regular season launch in September.

Injury Rehab and Contract Incentives

Phase 1 shines for rehab: think ACL recoveries or veteran maintenance. Players like Rams' pass rushers rebuild explosiveness safely. Contracts tie bonuses to attendance—$500K swings common, pressuring stars without salary guarantees.

Lamar Jackson's participation bears watching; his athleticism demands careful offseason ramp-up. Similar for Bills' Josh Allen, whose rugged style invites monitoring.

Voluntary vs Mandatory Nuances

99% attendance typical, peer pressure strong. Mandatory minicamps enforce full rosters, schemes solidify. Fines possible for skips, though rare.

Clubs adjust dates flexibly per CBA, but announcements set expectations. Public closure preserves competitive edges.

Implications for 2026 Season Races

Offseason reps correlate to early-season success; synced teams start hot. For NFC West, Rams' timing challenges 49ers' continuity. AFC North, Ravens' edge could widen over Bengals.

Wild Card contenders like Packers leverage youth infusion here. Free agency hauls gel, draft steals emerge.

Packers' Annual Meeting Buzz

Green Bay's Ed Policy recapped NFL Annual Meeting April 4, tying into workouts. Rule tweaks, revenue shares influence prep—expect cap space chatter during OTAs.

Bucs emphasize continuity, their April 20 start fueling Baker's bounce-back.

Fan and Media Watchpoints

No public access, but leaks, social clips surface. Track attendance for drama: hold-ins, absences signal tensions. Rookie showcases post-draft hype builds.

Nutrition, recovery tech advance these programs—cryo, yoga standard. Mental health sessions integrate, vital post-2025 grind.

Historical Context and Trends

Post-2020 CBA formalized phases, injury rates dropped. Super Bowl winners like Chiefs credit OTAs for chemistry. 2025's surprises often traced to spring reps.

2026's calendar, amid salary cap hikes, enables aggressive builds. Pittsburgh draft hosts spotlight workouts' fruits.

What's Next: Draft and Beyond

Draft April 23-25 precedes rookie camps, then training camp July. OTAs bridge, momentum carriers.

Monitor surprises: breakout UDFAs, scheme shifts. These dates launch 2026 storylines.

As teams dive in, excitement builds for a season of redemption, contention, breakthroughs. Ravens' early start symbolizes hunger; league-wide, preparation defines contenders.

Official NFL Scores

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