The NFL offseason tends to be an exciting time.
Obviously, free agency and the draft attract most of the attention — for good reason — but there’s plenty more that takes place. Consider a humble offering from PurplePTSD to keep readers informed on some notable dates to look forward to during the offseason.
NFL Offseason Dates for Vikings Fans to Know
Start off with the Senior Bowl, which is going to take place on February 1st. The yearly event allows for plenty of scouting to take place. Draft nerds will enjoy the event, but even more casual fans can see some exciting tidbits emerge from the event.
Side note: the Pro Bowl takes place on February 2nd with the Super Bowl occurring on February 9th.
On February 18th, teams can start applying the franchise or transition tags to players. Minnesota is unlikely to use the franchise tag unless the intention is to tag-and-trade Sam Darnold, something that could happen if there’s a desire to pickup an immediate pick for the passer. The final day to apply the tag is on March 4th.
The NFL Scouting Combine is going to be taking place from February 24th to March 3rd. Lots to like about this event. Obviously, there’s added information about the draft’s best prospects, but then there’s the chance for Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to step in front of the microphone. Good insight usually arrives.
Oh, and there could be a bit of chatter about free agent interest even if it’s not allowed.
Free agency gets going on Monday, March 10th with legal tampering. Teams can flirt with free agents, even agreeing to deals on a verbal basis. Every year, though, some players back out of the deals that they agree to in this period. Nothing is official until it’s official.
The real thing — free agency in all its fullness — gets going at 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 12th. The Vikings will have money to spend.
From April 24-26, the 2025 NFL Draft is going to take place. At present, the Vikings have a 1st alongside a pair of 5ths. The expectation, though, is that a 3rd is going to get added into the mix. Does the GM shuffle around his picks in an effort to gain a few more before the event ends?
After April, the NFL offseason moves into a different phase as the focus shifts from talent acquisition — not that it ever fully stops — to teams building their foundation for the 2025 season. Around then, look for PurplePTSD to provide an update on what’s to come.
Plenty of Vikings intrigue is ahead.
Editor’s Note: Shout out to the NFL for making these dates accessible to pass along.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.