NFL Key Dates: Important deadlines for Giants this offseasonThe most important offseason in recent Giants history is just getting started. Some moves (coaching changes) have been made, but the major reconstruction (aka, the roster overhaul) is about to gain full steam.
So get ready. Here's when things will start going down.
February 17 – First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition PlayersThe Giants have the option (albeit at a hefty price) of handcuffing some of their top impending free agents to the organization.
February 19-25 – NFL Scouting Combine in IndianapolisGeneral manager Jerry Reese and Co. can’t afford another sub-par NFL Draft. The Combine, where most of the top players will showcase their athletic ability and skills, will be key for their evaluations.
March 3 – Deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players at 4 pm (ET)Last chance to make sure Justin Tuck, Linval Joseph, Jon Beason, Hakeem Nicks or others don’t leave.
March 8 – 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 2013 player contracts at 4 pm (ET) on March 11. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4 pm (ET) on March 11.For all intents and purposes, this is the beginning of free agency. The Giants can get the players they targeted.
March 11 – Clubs must submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal by 4 pm (ET).Linebackers Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich, offensive lineman Jim Cordle and fullback Henry Hynoski all fall into this category.
March 11 – All clubs must be under the 2014 salary cap prior to 4 pm (ET)This won’t be a problem for the Giants. They’re already under.
March 11 – All 2013 player contracts expire at 4 pm (ET)The Giants’ 21 unrestricted free agents (not counting the recently retired Brandon Jacobs and David Diehl) hit the market.
March 11 – Trading period for 2014 begins at 4 pm (ET)Anyone have stud offensive linemen they want to move?
March 23-26 – Annual league meetings (Owners’ Meetings) in OrlandoNew rules and other key topics to be hashed out.
April 7 – Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2013 regular season may begin offseason workout programsNot applicable to the Giants even though they hired a new offensive coordinator (Ben McAdoo) this offseason.
April 21 – Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programsTime to get to work with the players on this new offense.
May 2 – Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheetsIt’s unlikely Paysinger, Herzlich, Hynoski or Cordle will get anywhere near this deadline. None have the negotiating power.
May 8-10 – 2014 NFL Draft in New York CityA very important NFL Draft for the Giants.
May 19-21 – NFL Spring league meeting in AtlantaMore key NFL issues to be discussed.
July 15 - Deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multi-year contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one- year contract with his prior club for the 2014 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.If the Giants franchise anyone, they’ll need to secure their future by mid-July, otherwise they’ll become an unrestricted free agent next year.
September 4, 7-8 – Kickoff Weekend; NFL season beginsLet the rebound season begin!
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/02/nfl_key_dates_important_deadlines_for_giants_this_offseason.htmlThis post was edited by xnozx. on Feb 16 2014 09:11pm