The 2026 NFL League Year officially begins on March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET, marking one of the most important dates on the professional football calendar. With the start of the new league year comes the opening of the free agency signing period and the 2026 trading period, signaling a wave of roster moves that will reshape teams across the league.
Here’s everything fans need to know about what happens when the 2026 NFL League Year begins.
When Does the 2026 NFL Free Agency Start?
Free agency for the 2026 season officially opens at:
March 11, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
At that moment:
- Teams can officially sign unrestricted free agents.
- Contracts agreed to during the legal tampering period can become official.
- The 2026 League Year formally begins.
This is when front offices finalize major deals that could impact the upcoming season, from blockbuster signings to depth additions.
2026 NFL Trading Period Begins
Also at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, the 2026 NFL trading period officially opens.
This follows the expiration of all 2025 player contracts. Once those contracts expire:
- Teams can complete trades involving players under contract for 2026.
- Draft pick trades can be executed.
- Sign-and-trade type agreements can be processed.
March 11 often becomes one of the busiest transaction days of the offseason as teams clear cap space, restructure rosters, and pursue championship runs.
What Happens on the First Day of the 2026 League Year?
The first official day of the 2026 League Year runs from:
March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET
through
March 12 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET
During this window:
- All official transactions are submitted to the league office.
- Teams finalize free-agent signings and trades.
- Clubs receive a personnel notice detailing all transactions processed between 4:00 p.m. ET and 11:59:59 p.m. ET on March 11.
This internal notice ensures every team is aware of player movement across the league.
Why March 11 Is So Important for the NFL
The start of the league year represents a reset:
- Salary caps are recalculated.
- New contracts take effect.
- Expiring deals officially end.
- Teams begin building toward the 2026 NFL season.
For fans, this is when offseason speculation turns into real moves. Franchise quarterbacks can change teams. Star defenders may land record-breaking deals. Contenders may retool for another Super Bowl run.
Key 2026 NFL League Year Dates
- March 11, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. ET
- 2026 League Year begins
- Free agency signing period opens
- Trading period opens
- March 12, 2026 – 11:59:59 p.m. ET
- First official day of the 2026 League Year concludes
What to Expect Next
With free agency underway, attention will quickly shift to:
- Salary cap management
- Compensatory pick projections
- The 2026 NFL Draft
- Post–June 1 roster moves
- Offseason workouts and training camps
March 11 sets the tone for the entire NFL offseason. From major franchise-altering trades to under-the-radar depth signings, the 2026 League Year officially kicks off the race toward the next championship season.
Stay tuned as teams begin reshaping their rosters and building for the road to Super Bowl 2026.