With 2020 in the rearview mirror, it's time to turn our attention to the year ahead. Check out some of the important dates to remember in the 2021 NFL calendar year.
January 26-29 – Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama | The best-of-the-best collegiate prospects nationally will come together to practice for the Senior Bowl, splitting through between the National and American squads.
January 30 at 1:30 PM CT – Senior Bowl Bowl in Mobile, Alabama | Playing on NFL Network, collegiate prospects will compete against one another for attention and a potential earned spot in the 2021 NFL Draft from one of the 32 NFL teams.
February 23 – First day for clubs to designate Franchise or transition players | Teams can designate one franchise or transitional player, which would prevent the player from entering free agency in March.
March 15-17 – Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2020 player contracts at 3 PM CT on March 17. | Teams and soon-to-be unrestricted free agents can talk and begin agreeing to terms, but it's not official until 3:00 p.m. CT on the 17th.
March 17 – The League year and free agency begins at 3 PM CT | Unrestricted free agents can officially sign contracts with teams. Teams can also begin trading after the expiration of all 2019 contracts.
April 5 – Offseason workouts for the Texans begins | For the first time since locker room cleanout day on January 4, the majority of the players will be back in NRG Stadium. Voluntary strength and conditioning workouts get going.
Mid to late April - Schedule Release | The NFL will announce the 2021 regular season schedule.
April 23 – Last day of restricted free agency signing period
April 28 – Last day for teams to match offer sheets for restricted free agents
April 29 – Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft starts in Cleveland, Ohio | The Texans have eight picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Houston will know exact overall picks after Compensatory selections are awarded.
April 30 – May 1 – Rounds 2-7 of the 2021 NFL Draft | The Texans have eight picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Houston will know exact overall picks after Compensatory selections are awarded.
Late July – Texans Training Camp | The Texans will start Texans Training Camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
