Every Key Date Eagles Fans Need to Know This Offseason
Every Key Date Eagles Fans Need to Know This Offseason
The Eagles' 2025 season may be over, but the 2026 offseason is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent franchise history. From the Super Bowl to the NFL Draft, the next three months are packed with dates that could reshape Philadelphia's roster for years to come. As discussed on Birds 365, this offseason calendar is essential reading for every Eagles fan who wants to stay ahead of the moves.
Here is your complete guide to every key date on the 2026 NFL offseason calendar — and what each one means for the Eagles.
Super Bowl LX — February 8
The biggest game of the year kicks off the offseason calendar. Super Bowl LX takes place on February 8, and while the Eagles will not be playing in it this year, the game still matters for Philadelphia. The outcome determines the final order of compensatory pick allocations, sets the stage for free agency valuations, and officially marks the start of the offseason planning period for every team not hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
For Eagles fans, Super Bowl Sunday is the unofficial starting gun. Once the confetti falls, attention shifts immediately to the moves Philadelphia needs to make to get back to this stage. As discussed on Birds 365, the front office is already deep into their evaluation process, but the public conversation truly begins after the Super Bowl.
Franchise Tag Window Opens — February 17
The franchise tag window opens on February 17, giving teams until mid-March to designate one player with the tag. This is typically a high-drama period around the league, but as discussed on Birds 365, the Eagles are not expected to use the franchise tag this offseason.
Philadelphia's roster construction and cap situation do not lend themselves to tagging any particular player this year. The franchise tag is an expensive tool, and the Eagles front office has historically preferred long-term deals over the tag when possible. That said, front offices can change course quickly if negotiations stall with a key player, so it is worth keeping this date circled even if the expectation is a quiet period for the Birds.
NFL Scouting Combine — February 23 through March 2
The NFL Scouting Combine runs from February 23 through March 2 in Indianapolis, and it remains one of the most important evaluation windows for every team in the league. For the Eagles, the Combine takes on added significance this year given where they are picking in the draft.
Philadelphia currently holds the 23rd overall pick, which puts them in a fascinating spot. They are picking late enough that the consensus top-tier prospects will likely be gone, but early enough to land a legitimate Day 1 contributor. The Combine is where draft boards get reshuffled — a blazing 40 time or a sharp interview can move a player up or down significantly. Eagles scouts will be watching closely for players who fit their scheme and culture.
The Combine is also where coaches and general managers hold their annual press conferences. Expect to hear from the Eagles brass about their offseason priorities — even if the answers are carefully guarded. Reading between the lines of Combine pressers has become an art form for NFL media, and Eagles fans should pay close attention to what is said and what is conspicuously left unsaid.
Legal Tampering and the New League Year — March 9 through March 11
This is where the offseason truly explodes. The legal tampering period begins on March 9, allowing teams to negotiate with pending free agents from other teams. Then on March 11, the new league year officially begins — contracts can be signed, trades become official, and the free agency frenzy is in full swing.
For the Eagles, this three-day window is massive. As discussed on Birds 365, several roster decisions will come to a head during this period. Philadelphia has both pending free agents they may want to retain and positions of need they could address on the open market. The Eagles front office has a track record of being aggressive but calculated during free agency — do not expect them to be the loudest spenders, but do expect targeted, high-impact moves.
March 11 is also the deadline for franchise tags, so any last-minute tag decisions around the league will be finalized by then. Keep an eye on how other teams' tag decisions affect the free agent market — a player getting tagged elsewhere could open up unexpected options for Philadelphia at positions of need.
Compensatory Picks — A Hidden Advantage
While the official compensatory pick announcement typically comes in late March, projections already have the Eagles in line for significant comp picks this year. As discussed on Birds 365, these extra selections could give Philadelphia additional ammunition in the draft — whether they use the picks themselves or package them in a trade-up scenario.
Compensatory picks are awarded based on the net value of free agents lost versus gained in the previous year. The Eagles' approach to last year's free agency period positioned them well in the comp pick formula. These extra picks are the kind of asset that separates well-run franchises from the rest of the league, and the front office has consistently maximized their value through shrewd roster management.
Annual League Meetings — March 29
The Annual League Meetings take place on March 29, bringing together owners, coaches, and front office executives from all 32 teams. While the meetings are primarily focused on rule changes and league business, they are also a hotbed for trade discussions and roster-building conversations that happen behind closed doors.
For the Eagles, the league meetings provide another opportunity for the coaching staff and front office to connect with counterparts around the league. Some of the biggest trades in NFL history have had their seeds planted at the Annual Meetings. Given Philadelphia's draft capital and potential needs, the Eagles could very well be involved in trade conversations during this window.
2026 NFL Draft — April 23 through April 25 in Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 23 through 25 in Pittsburgh, and it is the crown jewel of the offseason calendar. The Eagles currently hold pick number 23 in the first round, and as discussed on Birds 365, this draft class could provide Philadelphia with an immediate-impact player at a position of need.
Picking at 23 is a sweet spot in many ways. The Eagles will not have their choice of the very top prospects, but history shows that franchise-altering players are found throughout the first round and even beyond it. Philadelphia's scouting department has hit on picks in this range before, and the front office has shown a willingness to move up or down the board when the value is right.
With projected compensatory picks adding to their draft arsenal, the Eagles could be looking at as many as nine or ten total selections across the three-day event. That is a significant amount of capital to work with, and it gives the front office plenty of flexibility to address multiple roster needs or make a bold move to trade up for a premium talent.
The Big Picture
As discussed on Birds 365, this offseason is about more than any single date or transaction. It is about the cumulative effect of every decision the Eagles make between now and September. The franchise tag decision — or lack thereof — sets the tone. The Combine shapes the draft board. Free agency addresses immediate needs. And the draft builds the foundation for the future.
For Eagles fans, the key is to stay engaged through every phase. This is not a one-weekend offseason — it is a three-month marathon that will determine whether Philadelphia is a legitimate contender in 2026 or still searching for the right formula. Mark these dates on your calendar, set your reminders, and buckle up. The offseason starts now.
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• Eagles Free Agency Blueprint: Handle the House Before Shopping Outside
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• The AJ Brown Trade Isn't as Simple as Eagles Fans Think
• Eagles Face a Crux Offseason — Why 2026 Is an Inflection Point
• Eagles Face a Crux Offseason — Why 2026 Is an Inflection Point
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