2015 Steelers Offseason Schedule
The Steelers have been sitting on their collective couches for two weeks now, and offseason operational activities don’t begin until after the Super Bowl. We’ll be busy here breaking down positional grades, free agents to track within and outside of the team, and supplying plenty of draft mocks.
There’s plenty that will be going on, and the Steelers are expected to be busier than usual this offseason. The defense needs the most work, and the team will be looking for immediate help as well as developmental prospects.
Here are some key dates for all of you to keep on your calendars:
February 2nd: Waiver system begins
Teams can start claiming players that have been released by other teams who are placed on waivers. The Steelers more than likely won’t have any action here since they are in the middle of the waiver selection. Want a full explanation of what the waiver wire is? Check here.
February 7th: NFL Regional Combine
There are five total regional combines. This date is the first combine held in Florida. Other dates are Feb. 14th, 21st, 28th, and March 7th. These regional combines are slightly different from the NFL Scouting Combine held in Indianapolis.
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February 16th: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players
This is a big day in the NFL for teams who have a soon to be free agent player but aren’t quite ready to sign to a big contract. The Steelers used the Transition tag on Jason Worilds back in 2014 and could very well use the Franchise tag on him this season depending on how they deal with dumping contracts and salary cap voodoo. Deadline for designating a tag is on March 2nd prior to 4pm EST.
February 17-23: NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)
A weekend chalk full of drills and testing that give scouts, GM’s, and coaches a better look at a player’s potential. Media hoopla, NFL Network, and Rich Eisen’s annual 40 yard dash time.
March 7-10: Free Agent Talks
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 2014 contracts at 4 p.m. ET on March 10. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4 p.m. ET on March 10th.
March 10th: Free Agency, Top-51, Trading
This is a very big day in the NFL offseason. Prior to 4 p.m. EST the following must happen: clubs must exercise options for 2015 on all players who have option clauses in their 2014 contracts, 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/Compensation, and clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2014 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
Also the Top-51 begins. All clubs must be under the 2015 salary cap prior to 4 p.m. EST. All 2014 player contracts expire.
2015 league year and free agency period begins starting at 4pm EST and the trading period for 2015 also opens at this time. PHEW.
March 22-25: NFL Annual Meeting
This year’s meeting is in Phoenix. Coaches and owners will get together to discuss rules, etc. The big thing on the plate this year will be the attempt to expand replay to include any play and any call on the field. It’s doubtful that the future of Rodger Goodell will be discussed.
April 30-May 2: NFL Draft
This year’s draft is in Chicago. A weekend full of picks, angst filled fans, and plenty of boos for Rodger Goodell. You know the drill. The Steelers should be going after corners, linemen, and tackles in this draft. Let’s hope they address need over “value” and BPA this year.
May 8-11: Rookie Mini-Camp
First weekend after the NFL Draft: Clubs may elect to hold their three-day post-draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday. Teams may elect to hold this camp the second weekend following the draft.
There are other offseason activities but these were the big ones. Once we get into June and July, mini-camps will open up for practices with the full team.