February 18 – March 4, 2025: Franchise and Transition Tag Window
The NFL’s franchise and transition tag period opened a few days ago, on February 18, and runs through March 4 at 1 p.m. PT. This window allows the Rams to secure one key unrestricted free agent (UFA) with a one-year tender, preventing them from hitting the open market. With roughly $45 million in projected cap space, the Rams could target players like offensive tackle Alaric Jackson or cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, both UFAs after 2024. However, Snead’s history of avoiding tags (none used since 2019) suggests they may let the market play out unless a critical piece is at risk. Decisions here will set the tone for free agency spending.
February 24 – March 3, 2025: NFL Scouting Combine
Starting tomorrow, February 24, and running through March 3, the NFL Scouting Combine takes over Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This is the first major evaluation event of the offseason, where Snead, McVay, and the scouting team assess hundreds of draft prospects through drills, interviews, and medical checks. With needs at inside linebacker, tight end, and potentially quarterback (depending on Matthew Stafford’s status), the Combine offers a chance to identify targets for the Rams’ limited draft capital—currently a first-rounder, two third-rounders, a fourth, and a sixth. Standout performances here could sway their draft strategy.
March 10-12, 2025: Free Agency Negotiation Period
From 9 a.m. PT on March 10 until 12:59 p.m. PT on March 12, NFL teams can negotiate with agents of UFAs set to hit the market. For the Rams, this window is crucial to retain talents like safety John Johnson III, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, or quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo—or to pursue external additions. Snead’s penchant for bold moves (e.g., acquiring Stafford in 2021) could see the Rams target a veteran to plug a roster gap. Contracts can’t be signed yet, but this period often locks in deals that become official when the league year begins.
March 12, 2025: New League Year Begins
At 1 p.m. PT on March 12, the 2025 NFL league year officially starts, marking the end of the 2024 season’s contracts and the beginning of free agency and trading. All agreements from the negotiation period can be finalized, and trades—such as a potential Stafford restructure or departure—can be executed. This is also the deadline for the Rams to get under the salary cap, requiring cuts or restructures if they’re over the limit (unlikely given their current projection). It’s a frenetic day that often reshapes the roster overnight.
April 7, 2025: Offseason Workouts Begin (Teams with New Head Coaches)
Teams with new head coaches can start offseason workouts on April 7, but since McVay is staying, the Rams wait two weeks longer (see April 21). This date matters indirectly, as rivals like the Cardinals or Seahawks could gain a head start if they hire new staff.
April 16, 2025: Deadline for Draft Prospect Visits
By April 16, the Rams must complete their 30 allotted visits with non-local draft prospects at their Thousand Oaks facility. These sessions—featuring workouts, interviews, and film study—are vital for finalizing their draft board. With only seven picks, precision is key, and this deadline ensures prospects like a linebacker or cornerback get a close look before the draft.
April 21, 2025: Offseason Workouts Begin (Rams)
For teams with returning head coaches, Phase One of offseason workouts kicks off on April 21. This two-week period focuses on strength and conditioning, with no on-field football activities allowed. It’s a chance for players like Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua to rehab injuries and build toward OTAs. McVay’s staff will use this time to assess fitness levels and set expectations.
April 23, 2025: Restricted Free Agent Offer Sheet Deadline
Restricted free agents (RFAs) like RB Ronnie Rivers can sign offer sheets with other teams until 8:59 p.m. PT on April 23. The Rams retain the right to match any offer, but if they decline, they’d receive draft compensation based on the tender level (e.g., a fourth-round pick). This deadline rarely sparks drama for the Rams, but it’s a final chance to lock in-depth pieces.
April 25-27, 2025: NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft, hosted in Green Bay around Lambeau Field, runs from April 25 (Round 1) to April 27 (Rounds 4-7). After years of trading away first-round picks, the Rams have one in 2025—currently projected in the 20s, depending on their 2024 finish. Snead could trade up for a game-changer or down for more picks, but this weekend is the cornerstone of their youth infusion. Key dates within:
- April 25, 5 p.m. PT: Round 1
- April 26, 4 p.m. PT: Rounds 2-3
- April 27, 9 a.m. PT: Rounds 4-7
May 2-5 or May 9-12, 2025: Rookie Minicamp
The Rams will hold a three-day rookie minicamp either May 2-5 or May 9-12 (exact dates TBD), welcoming their draft class and undrafted free agents (UDFAs). This is the first on-field look at new talent, following the model that unearthed 2024 standouts like Jared Verse. Rookies get acclimated to McVay’s system, setting the stage for OTAs.
May 5-25, 2025: Phase Two of Offseason Workouts
Phase Two spans three weeks, allowing on-field walk-throughs and individual drills but no live contact. Starting May 5, this period bridges conditioning to football-specific prep, letting veterans and rookies begin meshing under McVay’s watchful eye.
May 26 – June 15, 2025: Phase Three of Offseason Workouts (OTAs and Minicamp)
Phase Three brings four weeks of organized team activities (OTAs), with 10 total sessions scheduled (exact dates TBD, typically late May to mid-June). These include 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills—no contact, but the closest simulation to real football yet. A mandatory three-day minicamp (often mid-June) caps this phase, requiring full attendance and offering a critical evaluation point before the summer break.
July 15, 2025: Franchise Tag Extension Deadline
If the Rams use a franchise tag by March 4, they must sign that player to a long-term deal by 1 p.m. PT on July 15 or settle for a one-year contract at the tag salary. Rarely an issue for the Rams, this date could matter if they tag a lineman or defensive back.
Late July 2025: Training Camp Opens
Training camp typically begins in late July, with rookies reporting a week before veterans (exact dates TBD). Held at UC Irvine or a similar site, this marks the shift to full-contact practices and the final push toward the preseason. Fans can attend open sessions, and position battles—like backup QB or starting linebacker—will heat up.
Specific OTA and camp dates will solidify later, but this framework captures the essentials.
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