The Atlanta Falcons have begun the process of evaluating talent.
Here are the key dates to know about as the team heads into the 2017 offseason.
Feb. 15
Franchise tag window opens
The Falcons have two weeks to decide if they want to use one of the three tag options available to keep a top-tier potential free agent. A tag has to be placed on a player no later than 4 p.m., March 1. The last time the Falcons applied the franchise tag on a player was on cornerback Brent Grimes in 2012.
Feb. 28- March 6
Credit: Gregory Payan
Credit: Gregory Payan
NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft will interview with teams and take part in physical, health and mental tests during the weeklong event. Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff will be among the Falcons officials present and participating in press conferences.
March 7
Free-agent negotiating window
At noon, teams can begin contract talks with agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents. No contracts can be finalized until official start of free agency.
March 9
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
Free agency starts
4 p.m. marks the official start of the new league year. Teams can begin signing players to new contracts. The Falcons added center Alex Mack and Mohamed Sanu during free agency period last season.
March 26-29
League meetings
Owners and league officials gather in Phoenix for three days of meeting. New rule changes can be addressed. Falcons coach Dan Quinn will likely address media.
April 17
Training can begin
The Falcons' nine-week offseason workout program begins with players able to train at the team's Flowery Branch facilities.
April 18-20
Credit: Atlanta Falcons
Credit: Atlanta Falcons
The schedule is released
The Falcons' game schedule for 2017 will be released in the third week of April. Atlanta will play the following opponents in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Carolina Panthers; Tampa Bay Buccaneers; New Orleans Saints; Green Bay Packers; Minnesota Vikings; Buffalo Bills; Miami Dolphins; and Dallas Cowboys. The team will travel to face: Carolina Panthers; Tampa Bay Buccaneers; New Orleans Saints; Chicago Bears; Detroit Lions; New England Patriots; New York Jets; and Seattle Seahawks.
April 21
Restricted free agent offers
Deadline for all restricted free agents to sign offer sheets. The Falcons linebacker Tyler Starr, offensive lineman Ben Garland, wide receiver Taylor Gabriel ($510,000) and defensive back Akeem King as restricted free agents.
April 27-29
Credit: Nam Y. Huh
Credit: Nam Y. Huh
2017 NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft will be held in Philadelphia. As Super Bowl runners-up, the Falcons hold the 31st overall pick.
May 5-8 or May 12-15
Rookie camps
Under NFL rules, the Falcons have the option to host a three-day rookie minicamp on one of these weekends.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Late June
OTAs (Organized team activities)
The Falcons hold a mandatory, three-day minicamp for team veterans.
Late July
Training camp opens
Preseason training camp for rookies and first-year players begins seven days before Falcons veterans are required to report to Flowery Branch. Dates, times remain to be determined.
Of note: The NFL exhibition season opens earlier this season with the annual Hall of Fame Game being played on Thursday, Aug. 3, instead of the traditional Sunday night following the enshrinement ceremony for new Hall of Famers. Former Falcons kicker Morten Andersen is among the 15 finalists to enter the Hall Aug. 5.
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