The Browns are in the early stages of the offseason but have begun their preparation for the 2025 season.
They made some changes to their coaching staff on the offensive side of the ball, as they announced a new offensive coordinator in Tommy Rees, who served as the tight ends coach/pass game specialist for Cleveland during the 2024 season. The Browns also announced the hire of Mike Bloomgren as the new offensive line coach.
The Browns also officially hold the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, ramping up draft season as the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine quickly approach.
So, let's look at the biggest offseason dates to keep on the radar over the next several months as the league prepares for the NFL Combine, free agency, the NFL Draft and more.
Jan. 30: The East-West Shrine Bowl will take place in Arlington, Texas, giving the top college football players and draft prospects an opportunity to show off their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches and executives of all 32 teams.
Feb 1: The Reese's Senior Bowl will take place in Mobile, Ala., providing top seniors and draft prospects a chance to showcase their talent and connect with coaches, scouts and front office members. There are three practices before the game, set for Feb. 1.
Feb. 2: The Pro Bowl Games will take place in Orlando, Fla.
Feb. 18-March 4: Clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players until 4 p.m. ET on March 4. These tags can be used by teams to limit the mobility of one of its upcoming free agents. Teams are only allowed on tag per offseason.
Feb. 24-March 3: The NFL Scouting Combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. The week-long event will bring coaches, general managers, front office members and scouts to evaluate workouts and conduct interviews with draft prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft in April.
March 10-12: The NFL's negotiation period begins for players who are set to hit free agency. During this two-day negotiation period, clubs are allowed to contact and enter contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents once their 2024 contracts expire. Self-represented players – or unrepresented players – can also communicate directly with members of front offices about contract negotiations.
March 12: The new league year and the free agency signing period officially begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. Contracts from the 2024 season expire, and free agents can make new contracts official with new teams. Trades can be executed again.
March 30-April 2: The NFL's Annual League Meeting will occur in Palm Beach, Fla.
April 16: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.
April 18: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 21: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs (OTAs).
April 23: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.
April 24-26: The 2025 NFL Draft begins, and is set to take place in Green Bay, Wis.
May 2-5 or May 9-12: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the draft.
There are a few other key dates that will be announced at a later time, such as OTAs and the 2025 schedule release.
