NFL 2026 Offseason Workout Programs Kick Off: Ravens Start Earliest on April 6 Ahead of Pittsburgh Draft

The NFL has released official 2026 offseason workout schedules for all 32 teams, with the Baltimore Ravens leading the pack by beginning Phase 1 on April 6. From voluntary minicamps to OTAs and mandatory sessions, these programs set the stage for team rebuilds before the April 23-25 Draft in Pittsburgh.

Baltimore Ravens set to launch NFL's earliest 2026 offseason workout program on April 6.

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

The NFL offseason is heating up faster than ever. On Friday, the league announced the official 2026 offseason workout schedules for all 32 teams, kicking off a critical period of preparation ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. Leading the charge are the Baltimore Ravens, who will begin Phase 1 workouts as early as April 6, giving them a valuable head start in rebuilding momentum after last season's playoff run.

These structured programs, divided into three distinct phases, are designed to reinstall offensive and defensive schemes, build physical conditioning, and foster chemistry without the risks of live contact. Phase 1 emphasizes meetings, strength training, and rehabilitation. Phase 2 introduces on-field individual and group drills at a walkthrough pace. Phase 3 brings Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 sessions, all voluntary until the mandatory minicamp.

Ravens' Detailed Schedule: Harbaugh's Early Advantage

The Ravens' program stands out for its early start. Phase 1 runs for two weeks starting April 6, focusing exclusively on rehab, conditioning, and film study for incumbent players. This no-pads phase allows quarterback Lamar Jackson and the roster to ease back into football shape without pressure.

Phase 2 follows immediately with three weeks of individual drills, perfect play exercises, and scout-team walk-throughs. No live contact means coaches like John Harbaugh can install new wrinkles safely. OTAs are slated for May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, and June 4—totaling 10 days closed to the public.

Voluntary minicamp arrives April 20-22, perfectly timed pre-draft to scout potential rookies. The mandatory minicamp caps it June 9-11, where full attendance is expected. Eyes will be on Jackson, whose contract includes workout bonuses, making his participation a storyline to watch.

Rams Follow Suit with Later Start on April 20

While the Ravens jump ahead, the Los Angeles Rams begin their program later on April 20, aligning with many teams clustering around mid-April. Their Phase 1 mirrors the league standard: two weeks of meetings, strength work, and rehab to get players like Matthew Stafford ramped up post-injury cycles.

Phase 2 for the Rams emphasizes walkthroughs and non-contact drills against scout teams. Phase 3 OTAs are scheduled May 26-27, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and June 11, with mandatory minicamp June 15-16. This timeline gives new coach Sean McVay—assuming continuity—time to integrate free agency additions before draft evaluations.

For a team eyeing a Super Bowl rebound, these sessions are pivotal. Stafford's health and the defensive rebuild under new coordinators will dominate early buzz. Voluntary nature means star attendance varies, but bonuses incentivize key players.

League-Wide Early Birds and New Coach Impacts

Other early starters include the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills on April 7, grabbing extra days to shake off offseason rust. Ten teams with new head coaches schedule voluntary minicamps in mid-April, crucial for pre-draft roster projections. These sessions help identify fits for incoming talent amid free agency leftovers.

The collective bargaining agreement keeps Phases 1-3 voluntary, with only minicamp mandatory. Workout bonuses in contracts add intrigue—stars like Jackson risk forfeiting cash for absences, though no base salary hits. This structure balances player health with team prep in the post-Super Bowl void.

With the draft looming in Pittsburgh, teams use these weeks to mock roster moves. Scouts flood facilities, and GMs eye trade-ups. For contenders like the Ravens, it's about maintaining edge; for rebuilders, resetting culture.

Phases Explained: What Fans Can Expect

Phase 1 is purely foundational—strength rooms hum, whiteboards fill with schemes, and injured players grind rehab. No field time yet, minimizing wear on bodies fresh off bye weeks or playoffs. It's the quiet buildup.

Phase 2 ignites the field with walk-throughs. Offense vs. defense at half-speed hones timing. Perfect play drills isolate techniques, like pass protection or route precision. Scout teams simulate opponents, prepping for film breakdowns.

Phase 3 OTAs ramp intensity. 7-on-7 sharpens passing games; 9-on-9 tests run fits; 11-on-11 mimics game flow sans contact. Rookies attend post-draft, but voluntary vets set tones. Leaks from closed doors fuel speculation.

Strategic Implications for Playoff Contenders

For the Ravens, an early start means Harbaugh can accelerate defensive installs post-Roquan Smith extensions or new signings. Jackson's dual-threat evolution gets refined early, eyeing another MVP push. Chemistry with new receivers solidifies.

Rams leverage their timeline for Stafford's arm care and young secondary reps. McVay's schemes thrive in OTAs, where mental reps translate to September explosions. Both teams, perennial contenders, use this edge for draft ammo.

League-wide, disparities in start dates create buzz. Early teams gain conditioning reps; later ones maximize rest. New coaches like in Atlanta build buy-in fast, critical for culture shifts after disappointing campaigns.

Player Participation and Contract Nuances

Voluntary doesn't mean optional for all. Bonuses tied to attendance motivate. Jackson's deal, rich in incentives, spotlights him. Holdouts rare but possible amid extensions. Vets balance family time with prep.

Rookies join post-draft, minicamp their intro. Undrafted free agents vie for eyes. Trainers monitor workloads, preventing OTA tweaks from lingering. Nutritionists dial regimens for summer pads.

Draft Proximity: Minicamps as Tryouts

April minicamps pre-draft are goldmines. Coaches vet prospects privately, informing boards. Post-draft, selectees dive in, accelerating learning curves. Pittsburgh hosts the spectacle April 23-25, with workouts priming picks.

Ravens' April 20-22 slot ideal—evaluate Day 2 gems. Rams align similarly, targeting trenches. Fans scour leaks for hints at bold trades or reaches.

Broader Offseason Calendar Ties

Workouts dovetail free agency residuals and veteran camps. Training camps follow July, but these lay foundations. Annual meetings wrap rule tweaks, influencing installs.

Packers' updates from April 4 meetings hint at policy shifts, but workouts dominate. Fantasy drafters eye depth charts emerging from OTAs.

Why This Matters for Fans Now

Offseason grind births contenders. Ravens' early gun positions them for runs; Rams build quietly. Track attendance for drama, leaks for schemes. Draft nears—workouts signal intents.

These phases bridge Super Bowl hangovers to training camps. Stars shine, rookies emerge, coaches scheme. Your team's path to 2026 glory starts April 6.

Stay locked for OTA reports, draft buzz. NFL never sleeps.

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