Important NFL calendar dates leading up to 2017 NFL Draft

The 2016 football season is over after the New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, 34-28. The great Tom Brady comeback and first overtime Super Bowl game will go down in history. Brady fittingly won Super Bowl MVP and Matt Ryan continued the streak of NFL MVPs who fail to win the Super Bowl when in the big game.

Now, it’s time to turn our attention to the Draft eligible players, the Scouting Combine, pro days, and free agency. The NFL new league year doesn’t officially begin until March 9 at 4:00 p.m. ET, at which point free agency officially begins.

Here’s a look at the NFL calendar leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

February 15: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

February 28-March 6: Combine Timing and Testing, 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 7-9: During the period beginning at 12 noon, New York time, on March 7th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9th, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2016 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct contact is permitted between a prospective unrestricted free agent and any employee or representative of a club, other than the player's current club.

March 9: The 2017 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2017 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9. 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 9.

March 9: Trading period for 2017 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2016 contracts.

March 26-29: Annual League Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona.

April 3: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2016 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 21: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

April 26: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.

April 27 – First round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. First 32 picks of the draft will be announced in order.

April 28 – Second and third rounds of the NFL Draft, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Picks 33-96 will be announced.

Saturday, April 29 – Final four rounds of the NFL Draft, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.