NFL calendar 2018: Every date and event to know for the offseason

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2017 season has been over for a few weeks, but fans have plenty to look forward to this offseason. There are plenty of events to fill the offseason with some sense excitement for the Bengals’ future.

There are dates that include when the franchise tag must be applied, the NFL Scouting Combine and the opening of the 2018 season with free agency. Below are the dates of these events and many more for the offseason.

January 27 - The 2018 Senior Bowl in takes place in Mobile, Alabama. The game brings most of the talented seniors from college football together to show off their skills through drills and an all star type game. This is a great chance for players to show off their talents, and for fans to get a good look at these guys before the Scouting Combine.

January 28 - The NFL Pro Bowl takes place in Orlando. The Bengals have Geno Atkins and Clark Harris currently on the roster after A.J. Green opted out of participating. The Bengals still have Clayton Fejedelem and Vontaze Burfict as alternates, though.

February 4 - Super Bowl LII takes place. The game will either have the Patriots or Jaguars playing the Eagles or Falcons. The Vikings have a chance of being the first team in NFL history to host the Super Bowl in their own stadium.

February 27-March 5 - The Scouting Combine starts on February 27th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The NFL invites the top draft eligible players to participate in drills that are relevant to their positions. They also have them run through drills like the 40-yard dash to show of their physical intangibles. This is also the first chance for teams to officially interview these players.

March 6 - This is the deadline for teams to designate their Franchise and Transition players. It is doubtful the Bengals will use either of these as they rarely do. They also don’t have a strong group of free agents heading into free agency. Tyler Eifert is their only major decision to make, but after spending most of the season on Injured Reserve his market shouldn’t be that demanding.

March 14 - At 4:00 p.m., New York Time, the 2018 league year officially begins, and along with it free agency starts. This will be when we see if the Bengals were serious about being more open to spending. We shouldn’t expect them to go out and try and sign the top guys, but they should bring in a few more outside players toe help this season.

March 14 - Trading period for 2018 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2017 contracts.

March 25-28 - Annual League Meeting in Orlando, Florida

April 16 - Teams with returning head coaches may begin their offseason workout programs

April 20 - Deadline for restricted free agents to sign Offer Sheets.

April 25 - Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents.

April 26-28 - 2018 NFL Draft will take place in Arlington, Texas

May 4-7 or May 11-14 - Rookie minicamp

May 17-20 - NFLPA Rookie Premiere

May 21-23 - Spring League Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia.

Mid-June - Mandatory minicamp opens

Late-July - Training Camp begins

August 2 - Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio

August 2-5 - Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio

September 6, 9-10 - The Regular Season opens