Dates in the NFL to keep in mind and how they affect the Cardinals

The NFL offseason has already begun.

The amount of meetings, activities, and deadlines that Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and the rest of Arizona’s front office must keep track of makes the term “offseason,” which sounds like downtime to some, anything but.

These are some important offseason events to mark on your calendar as Arizona’s new leadership begins to work on rebuilding the team.

Dates crucial to the NFL offseason

Feb. 28-March 6

Prospects will work out and interview with clubs throughout the week-long event in an effort to improve their draft stock.

This week is crucial for the Cardinals squad, who are in possession of the third overall pick, as it will assist them decide what their strategy should be.

Arizona will have to wait until Jalen Carter’s pro day on March 15 to understand more about the physicality of the Georgia defensive lineman. According to reports, Carter will still speak with clubs and get a physical despite skipping the combine workouts.

This summer, the Cardinals have been extensively mocked for both Carter and Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who is reportedly slated to participate in some practices over the week.

March 7

the cutoff point for NFL teams to employ transition or franchise tags.

Both were last used by the Cardinals in 2020, when Kenyan Drake, a running back, was subjected to the transition tag by Arizona. Chandler Jones, a linebacker, has previously been franchise-tagged in 2017.

And it’s quite doubtful that the organization would use any of its unrestricted free players in that manner this summer.

Arizona’s internal free agency choices are led by Zach Allen and Byron Murphy, although using the franchise tag to a defensive end ($19.7 million) or cornerback ($18.1 million) may be seen as a bit of an overpayment.

Allen’s new deal is anticipated to be in the range of three years for $37.5 million by Pro Football Focus, whilst Murphy’s new agreement is anticipated to be in the area of $26.25 million over three seasons.

The Cardinals have until March 7 at 2 p.m. MST to decide.

March 13-15

Start the legal messing with free agents now!

Teams may speak with and negotiate contracts with certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents once the new league year begins on March 13 starting at 9 a.m. MST.

March 15

At MST 1, the new league season begins.

There are no outstanding 2022 contracts, and the trading window is now open.

March 26-29

Phoenix is the location of the league’s yearly meetings.

April 3

The Cardinals and other groups that changed their head coaches this offseason are now able to start their offseason training regimens.

April 19

the last day for clubs to get together or perform a physical with players who are eligible for the draft at their locations.

April 21

the date by which offer papers must be signed by restricted free agents.

Both quarterback David Blough and wide receiver Antoine Wesley are expected to become restricted free agents this summer for the Cardinals.

Given that DeAndre Hopkins would be sidelined to begin 2022 due to a PED suspension, Wesley was expected to play a greater role in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense this year. Regrettably, the wide receiver missed the entire previous season due to quadriceps and hip/groin problems.

Kyler Murray’s ruptured ACL and Colt McCoy’s injury forced them to miss the last two games of the season, and Blough stepped in to start. He threw for 402 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 65.5% of his attempts.

April 26

the last day for NFL clubs to meet or physically examine draft candidates everywhere.

Before the 2023 NFL Draft, this will be the Cardinals’ last opportunity to speak with Carter, Anderson, or any other prospects.

April 27-29

In Kansas City, the 2023 NFL Draft will take place.

May 2

the cutoff date by which teams must exercise players’ fifth-year options who were chosen in the first round of the 2020 draft.

It requires the Cardinals to make a choice about standout back Isaiah Simmons.

For Arizona during the past three years, Simmons has played in all areas of the field, amassing 258 tackles, 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, 16 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, and 11 quarterback hits in 50 games (37 starts).

The versatile backer’s use will give a signal as to what new head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis have observed from Simmons on video and in meetings. Both men have emphasized adaptability ever since joining the team.

One of the two weekends following the draft is when NFL teams can host their three-day rookie minicamp.

Expect the head coach to choose the early timetable as He wants his new group of players to get up to speed quickly.

May 22-24

Minneapolis is the location of the spring league meetings.

June 1

Regarding Hopkins, the Cardinals must make a choice.

They can either maintain Arizona’s unquestioned top option—and his large cap hit—or deal the wideout for future assets Ossenfort can deploy.

The Cardinals would have $8.1 million in cap space in 2023 if they decide to trade for Hopkins before or on June 1.

But, Arizona would have to fork up $22.6 million in lost revenue the next year.

from June 1 on

Arizona would save $19.45 and $14.92 million over the following two seasons by trading Hopkins after June 1.

Also, Arizona would be able to divide the dead money loss into $11.3 million for each of the next two seasons.

After June 1, starting center Rodney Hudson is an additional name to keep an eye on.

Hudson’s future with the Cardinals and in the NFL is very much out in the question after considering retirement last offseason and playing only four games in 2022 due to injury.

Waiting until after June 1 if Arizona elected to let Hudson go would result in cap savings of $3.05 and $1.76 million over the following two seasons, with a $1.76 million dead money penalty over the following two seasons.

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