The 2017 NFL season is just a few months away from kicking off, and the league recently released its list of important dates for the upcoming year. The Oakland Raiders are coming off of an impressive 12-4 record, which featured a return to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Before the Silver and Black take the field, here's a look at all the important dates you should know.
July 17 - At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2017 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club's last regular season game.
July 24- 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.
July 24* - Signing period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom a "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.
August 3- Hall of Fame Game, Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, Canton, Ohio.
August 3-6 - Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio.
August 9-13- First Preseason Weekend.
August 17-21- Second Preseason Weekend
August 24-27 - Third Preseason Weekend
August 31- Final Preseason Games.
September 2- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
September 7, 10-11 - Regular Season opens.
October 31- All trading ends for 2017 at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
November 19 -NFL Mexico Series, New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders, Estadio Azteca.
January 6-7 - Wild Card Playoffs.
January 13-14- Divisional Playoffs.
January 21- AFC and NFC Championship Games.
January 27 - Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
January 28- NFL Pro Bowl, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
February 4 - Super Bowl LII, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota.
February 27-March 5- Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
March 14 -The 2018 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time. The first day of the 2018 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.
Trading period for 2018 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2017 contracts.
April 16- Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout program.
April 26-28 - NFL Draft (site TBD).
