With the NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up, attention now shifts to the next major milestones leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs, like all teams, are navigating important deadlines that will shape their roster for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates fans should keep an eye on over the next couple of months.
March 4: Franchise Tag Deadline
At 3 p.m. Arrowhead Time on March 4, teams must finalize any franchise tag designations. The Chiefs have already applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to right guard Trey Smith, securing his place on the roster for at least another season. Teams across the league will be making their final decisions on tagging players before this deadline.
March 10-12: Free Agency Begins
The NFL’s “legal tampering period” kicks off on March 10 at 11 a.m. Arrowhead Time. During this window, teams can start negotiating contracts with impending unrestricted free agents. While deals can be agreed upon, they won’t be officially signed until the start of the new league year on March 12 at 3 p.m. Arrowhead Time. Historically, the Chiefs have taken a more patient approach, opting to capitalize on value signings in the later stages of free agency rather than making early big-money moves.
April 16-18: Pre-Draft Visits and RFA Deadline
April 16 marks the last day teams can host top-30 visits with draft prospects, providing opportunities for in-person evaluations, interviews, and medical assessments. After this date, teams can still communicate with prospects via virtual meetings until the eve of the NFL Draft. Additionally, April 18 is the final day for restricted free agents (RFAs) to sign offer sheets from other teams. The Chiefs have several players in the RFA category, including linebacker Jack Cochrane and defensive end Malik Herring.
April 21: Offseason Workouts Begin
Teams with returning head coaches, such as Andy Reid and the Chiefs, can officially start their offseason workout programs on April 21. This phase allows players to begin structured training, conditioning, and team meetings as they prepare for the season ahead.
April 24-26: 2025 NFL Draft
The highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24 to April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This event will be crucial for the Chiefs as they look to build for the future through strategic draft selections. With a history of finding impact players through the draft, Kansas City will aim to add key pieces to their roster to maintain their championship aspirations.
As the offseason progresses, these dates will play a crucial role in shaping the Chiefs’ roster for the upcoming season. Fans should stay tuned for further updates as free agency unfolds and draft preparations intensify.