Patriots Offseason Calendar: Key Dates for Free Agency, Draft, and More

From franchise tag deadlines to the NFL Draft, here's a look at the Patriots' upcoming offseason schedule.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 12:15pm

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With the 2025 NFL season in the books, the New England Patriots are now focused on the offseason. This includes key dates like the franchise tag window, the NFL Scouting Combine, free agency, and the 2026 NFL Draft. The Patriots will look to build around third-year quarterback Drake Maye and add talent to a roster that exceeded expectations in the first year under head coach Mike Vrabel.

Why it matters

The Patriots' offseason calendar will determine how the team approaches free agency, the draft, and other roster-building activities as they aim to build on their Super Bowl appearance and continue developing their young core, led by quarterback Drake Maye.

The details

The Patriots' offseason calendar includes several important dates, such as the franchise tag window opening on February 17, the NFL Scouting Combine from February 23 to March 2, the start of free agency on March 11, and the NFL Draft from April 23-25. The team also has contract guarantee deadlines for wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Christian Barmore on March 13, as well as a fifth-year option deadline for cornerback Christian Gonzalez on May 1.

  • The franchise tag window opens on February 17.
  • The NFL Scouting Combine takes place from February 23 to March 2.
  • The franchise tag window closes on March 3.
  • The legal tampering period runs from March 9-11.
  • Free agency and the 2026 NFL league year begin on March 11.

The players

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots.

Drake Maye

The third-year quarterback for the New England Patriots.

Stefon Diggs

A wide receiver for the New England Patriots who has a contract guarantee deadline on March 13.

Christian Barmore

A defensive tackle for the New England Patriots who has a contract guarantee deadline on March 13.

Christian Gonzalez

A cornerback for the New England Patriots who has a fifth-year option deadline on May 1.

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What’s next

The Patriots will need to make decisions on whether to use the franchise tag on any of their 14 free agents-to-be, and they will also have to navigate the contract guarantee deadlines for Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore. Additionally, the team will be active in free agency and the draft as they look to build around quarterback Drake Maye and continue their success under head coach Mike Vrabel.

The takeaway

The Patriots' offseason calendar is packed with key dates that will shape the team's roster and direction for the 2026 season. From free agency to the draft, the team will have ample opportunities to add talent and continue developing their young core, led by quarterback Drake Maye, as they aim to build on their Super Bowl appearance.