Mark your calendars, not for Aaron Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh however for the important thing dates this upcoming season and offseason within the NFL. The league formally launched vital markers for the 12 months. As tweeted out by CBS Sports activities’ Jonathan Jones, the 2 huge ones are: the NFL commerce deadline will happen Tuesday, November 4 at 4 PM/EST. And the beginning of the 2026 offseason will happen on Wednesday, March 11.
In keeping with a proposal urged by the Steelers and permitted by the NFL final 12 months, the league shifted the commerce deadline again one week, efficient final season. After beforehand occurring in Week Eight, the deadline now takes place at some point after Week 9 concludes.
Final 12 months, Pittsburgh took benefit of the additional time. The staff made two strikes forward of the deadline, buying New York Jets WR Mike Williams and Inexperienced Bay Packers EDGE Preston Smith. Williams burst onto the scene with a game-winning landing in opposition to the Washington Commanders final season however struggled to see constant taking part in time the remainder of the 12 months and completed with simply 9 receptions in 9 video games. Nevertheless, he performed in all 18 video games throughout his time with each groups, changing into solely the second participant within the trendy period to take action. Smith recorded 13 tackles and two sacks throughout eight video games.
Pittsburgh’s 2026 offseason will probably be an vital one. Notable free brokers embrace QB Aaron Rodgers (as soon as his one-year deal is formally signed), EDGE T.J. Watt, SS DeShon Elliott, CB Darius Slay, and RB Jaylen Warren. Watt is more likely to obtain a contract extension later this summer time, whereas Elliott can be worthy of a brand new deal. Whether or not or not it’ll occur is unknown.
Slay is extra more likely to retire than preserve taking part in, whereas Warren will probably be an fascinating take a look at case. How he performs in a beginning position this season may dictate his Steelers’ future. Pittsburgh doesn’t have a historical past of paying operating backs second contracts. The final operating again to obtain a big-money extension was Willie Parker in 2006. The staff tried a long-term cope with Le’Veon Bell however have been unable to strike a deal.
Per the NFL web site, there are different key dates all through the subsequent 12 months.
– August 26/4 PM: Roster cutdown date the place every staff should trim all the way down to an preliminary 53-man roster
– August 27/12 PM: Waiver declare interval ends for eligible gamers; submitted claims will probably be awarded
– September 5/8 PM: NFL season opens between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
– February 17: Franchise tag window opens
– February 23-March 2: 2026 NFL Scouting Mix
– March 3: Franchise tag window closes
– March Sept. 11: NFL’s authorized tampering interval opens (starting at Midday on March 9)
– April 23-25: 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, PA
