Packers: A look at the important offseason dates in 2022
A look at key offseason dates for the Packers.
The offseason is here, and it’s a big one for the Green Bay Packers.
There are so many questions to be asked entering the offseason, from whether Aaron Rodgers is back to if the team re-signs Davante Adams, and that’s just the start.
It’s going to be a fascinating ride from now until training camp. Let’s look at the key dates over the coming months, per NFL Football Operations.
Packers key 2022 offseason dates
March 1-7: NFL Scouting Combine
We’ll learn more about this year’s draft class at the NFL Scouting Combine. Some players may see their draft stock rise, and for others, it may fall.
March 8: Deadline for teams to use franchise or transition tags
If the Packers are going to use the franchise tag on Davante Adams, it will need to happen by this date.
March 14-16: Free agency unofficially begins
The new league year doesn’t begin until March 16, but in many ways, free agency gets underway on March 14 in what is known as the “legal tampering period”. From this date, the Packers will be able to negotiate deals with free agents from other teams. It also means any of the Packers’ upcoming free agents are also able to negotiate to sign elsewhere.
March 16: New league year
Free agency begins here. Players with expiring contracts now officially become free agents on this date. Any signings made in the legal tampering window or trades agreed can become official.
Importantly, the Packers must also get under the salary cap by this date.
April 18: Packers can begin offseason program
Green Bay can kick off its offseason program from this date. The work towards the 2022 season is well underway at this stage.
April 22: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheet
Potentially something to watch with wide receiver Allen Lazard, who is a restricted free agent.
April 28-30: 2022 NFL Draft
Here’s the big one. The NFL Draft. We’ll find out which talented young players will be arriving in Green Bay. The Packers own the 28th overall pick in the first round. But who knows, maybe they could have more first-rounders if they trade Aaron Rodgers. We shall see.