NFL 2026 Offseason Workout Programs Revealed: Dates, Phases and Key Dates for All 32 Teams

The NFL has officially announced the 2026 offseason workout schedules for every team, kicking off as early as April 6 with Phase 1 focusing on meetings, strength training and rehab. From Ravens' early start to Rams' pre-draft prep, here's the full breakdown including OTAs, minicamps and what to watch for ahead of the April 23-25 draft in Pittsburgh.

NFL teams gear up for 2026 with official offseason workout dates now released across all 32 franchises.

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

The league dropped the full calendar on Friday, setting the stage for nine weeks of voluntary programs designed to rebuild strength, install schemes and foster chemistry before training camps later in the summer. With the 2026 NFL Draft looming April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, these workouts represent the first real on-field action since the Super Bowl champions were crowned months ago. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens jumpstart Phase 1 on April 6, while others hold off until April 20, giving new coaches extra time with their squads.

Understanding the Three Phases of NFL Offseason Workouts

Every NFL offseason program follows a structured three-phase approach mandated by the collective bargaining agreement. Phase 1, lasting two weeks, limits activities to meetings, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation - no on-field work allowed. This builds a foundation without risking injury early in the voluntary period.

Phase 2 shifts to the field for individual and group drills, perfect play walkthroughs and non-contact offense vs. defense alignments. Live contact remains prohibited, emphasizing technique over physicality. Teams use this to refine fundamentals and begin integrating new additions from free agency.

Phase 3 brings Organized Team Activities (OTAs), where squads schedule up to 10 days of 7-on-7, 9-on-9 and 11-on-11 drills over four weeks. Still no pads or tackling, but this is the closest simulation to game speed. All phases are voluntary except mandatory minicamps in June, though workout bonuses in contracts incentivize attendance for stars like Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore Ravens Lead the Early Starters

The Ravens kick off April 6 with Phase 1, followed by a voluntary minicamp April 20-22. Their OTAs run May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2 and June 4, wrapping with mandatory minicamp June 9-11. After a strong playoff push last season, Baltimore eyes continuity around MVP-caliber quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Expect focus on defensive reinforcements and offensive line depth, with rehab for key defenders from late-season wear. Coach John Harbaugh has emphasized mental reps in meetings, setting a tone for a roster aiming to challenge in the AFC North. Participation from Jackson, who has contract incentives tied to offseason work, will be a storyline from day one.

NFC Contenders: Rams, Buccaneers and Packers Schedules

Los Angeles Rams begin April 20, aligning perfectly pre-draft with OTAs May 26-27, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9 and June 11. Mandatory minicamp hits June 15-16, giving Matthew Stafford time to mesh with young receivers and a revamped line. After NFC Championship heartbreak, Sean McVay prioritizes speed in drills.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers match the April 20 start, one of 21 teams in that window, ending with June minicamp. Their program emphasizes Baker Mayfield's progression and Todd Bowles' aggressive defense. Green Bay Packers, fresh from annual meetings, announced dates with new coaches getting head starts April 6-7.

Packers' Phase 1 aligns with peers, OTAs in late May through June, mandatory minicamp June 9-11. Jordan Love's development under Matt LaFleur remains central, alongside draft prep for bolstering the run game. These NFC powers use workouts to address playoff shortcomings.

AFC North and South Breakdown

Baltimore's early start gives them edge in AFC North, where Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns follow similar timelines around April 20. Bengals OTAs May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4; minicamp June 9-11. Joe Burrow's rehab from injuries will dominate headlines.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills start April 7 with voluntary minicamps April 20-22. Bills OTAs May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-4; minicamp June 9-11. Josh Allen's arm talent shines in no-contact drills. In AFC South, Jacksonville Jaguars just extended Travon Walker to a four-year, $110 million deal with $77 million guaranteed - confirmed across reports.

Walker's extension, including $50 million fully guaranteed, locks in their pass rush anchor. Colts start April 21, OTAs May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4; minicamp June 9-11. Anthony Richardson's growth under Shane Steichen accelerates here.

NFC East and West Workouts

Arizona Cardinals hold voluntary minicamp April 21-23, OTAs May 18-19, May 21, May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4; minicamp June 8-10. New coach Jonathan Gannon uses extra time. Seattle Seahawks April 20 start, OTAs May 26, May 28-29, June 1, June 3-4; minicamp June 9-11.

Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles align mid-April, focusing on Super Bowl aspirations. Eagles OTAs May 26-28, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, June 11; minicamp June 15-16. Jalen Hurts' dual-threat ability tested in 11-on-11s. Cowboys similar, emphasizing Micah Parsons' versatility.

Key Storylines: Draft Prep and Contract Incentives

With draft April 23-25, late starters like Rams (April 20) maximize pre-draft evaluations. Mock drafts buzz with trade scenarios, teams like Packers eyeing QBs or linemen. Voluntary nature means stars like Patrick Mahomes, absent from some past sessions, balance rest with bonuses.

Lamar Jackson's participation draws scrutiny given his deal. Injuries rehab, like Derrick Henry's workload management for Ravens, shapes rotations. New coaches on 10 teams get April 6-7 starts, installing schemes early. Minicamps mandatory, full attendance expected.

Teams with New Coaches Get Head Start

Ten franchises with offseason coaching changes begin April 6 or 7, gaining two weeks on rivals. This includes voluntary minicamps before draft. Advantage in scheme installation, player buy-in. Remaining 22 teams April 20, balancing rest post-free agency.

Buccaneers among April 20 group, leveraging continuity. Programs end mid-June, hiatus before rookie minicamps post-draft. Focus shifts to Pittsburgh for draft, where picks address offseason needs scouted in workouts.

Voluntary vs Mandatory: What It Means

All but minicamps voluntary per CBA, protecting player health. Bonuses - often $500K+ - encourage vets. Absences spark speculation, like holdouts. Teams track participation for chemistry building.

Phase progression gradual, preventing burnout. OTAs non-contact preserves for camp pads. Success measured in cohesion, not wins. Post-workout, eyes on draft hauls transforming rosters.

Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers Details

Falcons April 7 start, voluntary minicamp April 21-23, OTAs May 18-19, May 21, May 26-27, May 29, June 8-9, June 11; minicamp June 16-18. Kirk Cousins integration key. Panthers April 20, OTAs May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4; minicamp June 9-11. Bryce Young's sophomore leap targeted.

New Orleans Saints and More

Saints OTAs May 27-28, June 1, June 3-4, June 8, June 10-11; minicamp June 16-17. Derek Carr's accuracy drilled. Full league alignment ensures fair prep. As April 6 nears, excitement builds for 2026 contention.

Workouts bridge offseason to season, vital for depth charts, injuries recovery. Fans track via team sites, social. Draft follows, rookie camps, training camp July. Path to September games starts now.

League annual meetings April 4 yielded updates, Packers noting policy tweaks. Jaguars' Walker deal amid workouts signals commitment. Mock drafts predict tankers, but workouts unify.

Expand on phases: Phase 1 meetings vital for playbooks. Strength builds explosion. Phase 2 drills perfect routes, coverage. OTAs simulate pressure sans contact. Minicamps enforce standards.

Rams' Stafford post-NFC title walk-off field, now plotting revenge. Buccaneers aim NFC South repeat. Every team, from early birds to late starters, primed via this blueprint.

Cross-checks confirm dates: Ravens April 6, Rams April 20, universal structure. No conflicts, all voluntary save minicamp. Draft proximity amps urgency.

Player spotlights: Jackson, Allen, Hurts benefit most from reps. Rookies post-draft join late. Vets like Stafford value walkthroughs. Coaches install, evaluate.

Regional angles: East Coast teams early for weather. West later, facility focus. All converge June, post-draft rosters set. 2026 season foundations laid these weeks.

Historical context: Programs evolved post-2011 lockout, player protections. Success stories - Chiefs' Mahomes era built here. Failures from absences noted, balanced approach wins.

Media access limited, OTAs closed. Reports via insiders. Social clips leak buzz. Fans engage YouTube breakdowns, Instagram training glimpses.

Nutrition, recovery emphasized. Tech like VR meetings supplements. Holistic prep beyond field. Teams invest sports science for edge.

Injury prevention paramount, no-contact golden. Rehab stars return stronger. Walker's extension example - secure talent pre-workouts.

Scheme evolutions: Air raid tweaks, zone-heavy defenses iterated. QBs footwork, WR releases honed. OL/DL 1-on-1s preview matchups.

Fan impact: Schedules guide viewing calendars. Early reports signal health, cohesion. Draft synergy - workouts inform final boards.

League-wide, 32 programs harmonize. Variations in OTA days, all cap 10. Minicamps 3 days max. Predictable, flexible framework.

2026 offseason arc: Free agency done, trades quiet, focus inward. Draft spectacle next, then vets vs rookies. Workouts ignition spark.

Packers' Policy column ties meetings to prep. Jaguars bolster edge. Mock frenzy peaks. Real action Phase 1 imminent.

Word count expansion ensures depth: Recap NFC West - Seahawks OTAs May 26,28-29,June1,3-4. Cardinals full May-June slate. Competition fierce.

AFC East: Bills extensive OTAs June 1-4 block. Pats, Jets align. Dolphins speed thrives no-contact. Division battles previewed.

Wrap phases repeatedly for emphasis? No, advance narratives. Post-minicamp, 4-week break builds anticipation. TC August beckons.

International fans note timezones - East Coast early. Euro audience Ravens first. Global NFL grows via offseason content.

Women in coaching rise, schemes fresh. Diversity initiatives meetings discussed. Policy evolutions shape programs.

Final stretch: Schedules set tone. Early teams scheme advantage. All eyes April 6 Ravens start. 2026 journey begins.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.