NFL Reveals Important Detroit Lions Offseason Dates

The Lions will kick off their voluntary offseason program on April 20 as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a Detroit Lions football practice, with players and equipment rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of Honolulu Blue, Silver, and White.The Detroit Lions' offseason program lays the groundwork for another competitive season, as the team prepares to build on its recent playoff success.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Lions will begin their offseason program on April 20, starting a structured, nine-week buildup that will carry the team into summer. The program will include organized team activities (OTAs) in May and June, as well as a mandatory minicamp in mid-June, as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

Why it matters

The Lions are coming off consecutive playoff appearances, so this offseason program carries added importance as the team looks to build on its recent success. The early sessions provide a foundation for integrating new players, refining schemes, and reestablishing rhythm ahead of training camp.

The details

The Lions' offseason program will unfold across multiple checkpoints, highlighted by OTA sessions on May 27-29, June 2-4, and June 9-11, followed by a mandatory minicamp on June 16-17. While the early portion of the program remains voluntary, attendance typically ramps up as players return to the facility to begin preparing for the upcoming season. The NFL's offseason structure is designed to gradually transition players back into football activity, starting with meetings, strength work, and rehabilitation, before progressing to position-specific work and eventually 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 drills.

  • The Lions will begin their voluntary offseason program on April 20, 2026.
  • The team will hold OTA sessions on May 27-29, June 2-4, and June 9-11, 2026.
  • The Lions will have a mandatory minicamp on June 16-17, 2026.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions.

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What’s next

The Lions will continue their offseason program, leading up to the start of full training camp practices in late July.

The takeaway

The Lions' offseason program is a crucial step in their preparation for the 2026 season, as the team looks to build on its recent playoff success and establish continuity within the organization. The structured program will allow the team to integrate new players, refine schemes, and reestablish rhythm ahead of the upcoming campaign.