2016 was a good year for the Oakland Raiders; the team finished the season with a 12-4 record, earning their first postseason berth since 2002 in the process. We're now just a few weeks away from the NFL Scouting Combine, so let's take a look at some important dates the NFL announced for the upcoming year.
February 11 – NFL Regional Combines, Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Seattle, Washington.
February 15 – First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
February 18 – NFL Regional Combines, Methodist Training Center, Houston, Texas.
February 25-26* -- NFL Regional Combines, Inoya Sports Performance Center, Washington, D.C. (*Kicker/Punter Combine)
February 28-March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
March 1 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 4 – NFL Regional Combines, Minnesota Vikings Practice Facility, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
March 9 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2017 on all players who have option clauses in their 2016 contracts.
March 9 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
March 9 – Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the 2017 salary cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 9 – All 2016 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 9 – The 2017 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 9 – Trading period for 2017 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time after expiration of all 2016 contracts.
March 11 – NFL Regional Combines, New Orleans Saints Training Facility, Metairie, Louisiana.
April 21 – Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign offer sheets.
April 27-29 – 2017 NFL Draft, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
July 22* -- Signing Period ends for unrestricted Free Agents to whom "May 9 tender" was made by prior club. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.
July 22 – Signing Period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.
August 5 – Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio.
