Detroit Lions' 2024 Offseason Calendar

Examining key dates for Detroit Lions' offseason

With the Detroit Lions' season coming to an end in the NFC Championship Game, the focus will turn to the offseason. 

Here is a comprehensive list of important dates ahead in the coming offseason. 

2024 NFL Offseason Important Dates (Dates subject to change)

Feb. 4

Pro Bowl Games

The Lions have five players selected to participate in the Pro Bowl Games. Among them are defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, center Frank Ragnow, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and tight end Sam LaPorta.

Feb. 20

Clubs may designate Franchise or Transition players

During this time, the Lions can elect to use either the Franchise Tag or the Transition Tag on an upcoming free agent. 

Feb. 27-March 4

NFL Scouting Combine 

The Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. 

March 5 

Deadline to designate Franchise or Transition players

March 11-13

Legal free-agency tampering window

During this time, teams can communicate with agents of players on other teams in efforts to verbally agree to contracts. The organizations cannot communicate with the players directly. 

March 13

2024 League year and free agency begins

Beginning on March 13, transactions such as trades and free-agent signings can become official. 

March 24-27

Annual League Meeting

The League Meeting will be held in Orlando, Fla.

April 1 

Teams with new head coaches may begin offseason workouts

April 15 

Teams with returning head coaches may begin offseason workouts

Because the Lions have a returning head coach in Dan Campbell, they will be able to begin workouts on April 15. 

April 17 

Deadline for teams to conduct pre-draft tests, workouts, physical examinations visits and interviews at their respective facilities

April 19

Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets

The Lions are set to have seven restricted free agents. Among them are Jerry Jacobs, Shane Zylstra, Scott Daly, Brock Wright, Benito Jones and Anthony Pittman. 

April 24

Deadline for teams to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets

This allows the Lions to make the decision of whether or not to keep their restricted free agents who signed their respective offer sheets. 

April 24

Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location

At Finish Line, Lions Choked against 49ers

April 25-27

NFL Draft

The draft will be held in Detroit this season. Round 1 will take place on April 25. Rounds 2 and 3 will commence on April 26, with Rounds 4-7 happening on April 27. 

May 2

Deadline for teams to execute Fifth-Year Option for players picked in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft

This will be the deadline for the Lions to decide whether or not to execute the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Penei Sewell. 

May 3-6 OR May 10-13

Dates available for teams to conduct three-day, post-draft rookie minicamps

The Lions can choose whether to hold their rookie minicamp either one or two weeks following the NFL Draft. 

May 13 

Rookie Football Development begins

May 20-22

Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator

This event will be held in Nashville, Tenn.