By Ross Jackson
Here are the important dates for the New Orleans Saints you’ll want to keep an eye on, covering everything from the coaching search to all-star showcases, free agency, the NFL draft, and more.
January 20
In-person interviews can begin
Monday is the first day that teams with open head coaching positions can begin in-person interviews with candidates whose seasons have ended. Important names to watch include Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
January 26
Conference Championship weekend
The final showdowns for AFC and NFC champions will take place. This could end up being a key date in the Saints’ coaching search, depending on which teams are eliminated. Eliminated candidates would become eligible for in-person interviews.
January 30
East-West Shrine Bowl
The first collegiate all-star game of the offseason will kick off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Saints defensive assistant Matt Giordano will be coaching the defensive backs on the East Team.
February 1
Senior Bowl
The premiere collegiate showcase will take place following a week of practices in Mobile, Alabama. The Senior Bowl not only presents teams with a chance to get an up-close-and-personal look at some of the year’s top draft prospects, but it also serves as an important networking opportunity for their head coach search and eventual coordinator searches to follow.
February 9
Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans
If any head coach candidates are coaching in the big game, they will not be eligible to formally accept a position until after the game’s conclusion.
February 17
HBCU Combine in Metairie, Louisiana
Draftable HBCU players will get a chance to showcase their athletic testing in front of NFL clubs and scouts.
Feb. 18–March 4
Franchise and Transition Tag period
The tags can only be applied during this range of dates.
February 22
HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans
The annual HBCU all-star game will take place at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.
Feb. 24–March 3
NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Much like the Senior Bowl, this event will allow teams to meet with players and also help to connect teams and coaches looking to fill or take roles. Invited draftable players will undergo important athletic testing during this week.
March 10–12
Free Agency Negotiation Period
Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 10, teams and agents can begin to negotiate free agency deals ahead of the official beginning of the new league year. During this time, teams and player representatives may agree on principle for new deals, but contracts will not become official until the opening of the free agency period, as the new league year begins.
March 12
2025 league year begins
This marks the first day of the 2025 league year. At 4:00 p.m. ET, the official free agency signing period begins. Trading can also begin.
March 14
Third day of the league year
The third day of the league year is an important day for contract terms, in regards to guaranteed money. For the Saints, quarterback Derek Carr’s $30 million 2025 base salary becomes guaranteed on this day.
March 16
Fifth day of the league year
This is another important contract date. Often, guarantees for the following year will kick in on the league year’s fifth day. A $10 million portion of Carr’s 2026 base salary becomes guaranteed if he is still on the roster on this date.
March 30–April 2
Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida
April 7
Offseason workouts programs can begin for teams with new head coaches–including the Saints
April 18
Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
The Saints have only one exclusive right free agent, linebacker Nephi Sewell. New Orleans will be able to retain the rights for Sewell on a cost-controlled deal, without allowing him the chance to go out and negotiate with other clubs.
April 21
Teams with returning head coaches may begin offseason workouts
April 24–26
The NFL Draft
May 1
Deadline to extend fifth-year options for players selected in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft
The Saints have two players with eligible fifth-year options for 2026–wide receiver Chris Olave and offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Due to the rising price of fifth-year options across premium positions, declining to pick up the option is no longer seen as an indication that the team is uninterested in extending a player beyond their rookie contract.
May 2–5 or May 9–12
Three-day rookie minicamps will be held Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday
July 15
Deadline to sign franchise tagged player to a multi-year extension
Mid–July
Training camp can begin for rookies
Seven days after rookies report will be the veteran players’ mandatory reporting date.
