League Calendar (2026)

Date	Event
Draft lottery for non-playoff teams	Super Bowl Sunday
Start of the league’s new year 2026, trading opens up.	Monday after NFL Draft, April 27, 2026
Teams rosters must be cut down to 20	Saturday August 1st, 2026
Roster size is increased to 25	Right before draft
Rookie/Free Agent Draft	August TBD, 10:00 AM CDT
Active rosters down to 20	September 6th, 2026
NFL Week 1	September 10th, 2026
Trade Deadline	Kick off Sunday, Week 12