Important NFL dates change with CBA deal pushed back, free agency looming
Mar 10, 2020, 8:34 AM
Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The NFL players’ union extended the deadline by two days for its members to vote on a new labor agreement with the league.
Ballots from some 2,500 members now are due at 8:59 p.m. Arizona time on Saturday. The NFL Players Association gave no reason for the extension, though reaching so many players to meet the previous deadline of one week certainly can present logistical problems.
The union said on Twitter the extension came after a vote by player representatives.
That deadline has also led to the NFL pushing back the franchise and transition tag deadlines until 11:59:59 a.m. on Monday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported.
Here’s how that changes what could be a hectic week for the NFL as teams attempt to project salary structures into the future at the last minute and free agency begins. All times below are local Arizona time (MST).
Important NFL dates for 2020
Saturday, March 13, 8:59 p.m. — CBA voting deadline for players
Monday, March 16, 8:59 a.m. — Franchise tag application deadline for teams
Monday, March 16, 9 a.m. — Free agent contract negotiation period opens
Wednesday, March 18, 1 p.m.
— 2020 option deadline, salary tender deadline for restricted free agents
— Free agency, trading periods begin
— New League Year begins
March 29-April 1 — Annual league meeting, Palm Beach, Fla.
April 17 — Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
April 23-25 — NFL Draft in Las Vegas
May 19, 2020 — Spring owners meeting, Marina del Rey, Calif.
Late July — Training camps open
Aug. 6 — Hall of Fame game, Canton, Ohio
Aug. 8 — Hall of Fame inductions, Canton, Ohio
Sept. 5 — Final roster cutdown to 53
Sept. 10 — Kickoff game to open regular season
Sept. 13 — First full regular-season schedule
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
