Panthers Tracks: Important NFL offseason dates for Carolina fans to know
With the Super Bowl out of the way, the offseason has officially begun.
But this year’s offseason will look different than it has in nine years for the Panthers thanks to a new coaching staff.
With the hiring of head coach Matt Rhule, the Panthers are allowed to start their offseason training earlier than teams with returning staffs.
Here’s a look at the dates to watch for:
Feb. 25-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Feb. 25: First day for teams to designate Franchise or Transition Players (the Panthers may apply the franchise tag to cornerback James Bradberry)
March 10: 4 p.m. is deadline for teams to designate Franchise or Transition Players
March 16-18: Teams are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2019 contracts. Those contracts expire at 4 p.m. March 18.
March 18: The 2020 league year begins at 4 p.m.
March 29-April 1 : Annual League Meeting in West Palm Beach, FL
Here’s the big change ... April 6: The Panthers can begin their offseason workout programs
April 17: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents (tackle Dillon Gordon and wide receiver DeAndrew White) to sign offer sheets. Panthers can match any offer made to either player if they would like.
April 23-25: NFL draft in Las Vegas
April 27: NFL clubs can begin to request permission to visit with, try out, or sign any player who was under contract to the XFL at the conclusion of the XFL season.
May 1-4: The Panthers can elect to hold their three-day post-draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
July 13-24: The Panthers can open training camp for rookies beginning seven days prior to the team’s earliest permissible mandatory reporting date for veteran players.
July 15: 4: p.m. deadline for any team that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension.
The Observer will be bringing you coverage in anticipation of these important dates, from the combine to the offseason training programs.
In case you missed it
The Panthers took care of some exclusive free agents this week, signing RB Reggie Bonnafon, DB Cole Luke and K Joey Slye to one-year extensions. Quarterback Kyle Allen is among the remaining players eligible to be re-signed as an ERFA, meaning he would either accept a contract from the Panthers or not be offered a contract and become a free agent.
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