The Washington Commanders are entering a critical phase of the 2025 NFL offseason, with several key dates shaping their roster and strategy for the upcoming season. From free agent deadlines to training camp openings and roster cuts, these milestones will influence the team’s preparations for their first regular season game against the New York Giants on September 7, as detailed in the sports card above.
On June 2, clubs face the deadline to send a “June 1 Tender” to unsigned restricted free agents who received a right-of-first-refusal qualifying offer, triggering the “June 15 Tender” provision. By June 16, the Commanders can withdraw higher qualifying offers for restricted free agents, replacing them with a lower “June 15 Tender” of a one-year contract at 110% of the player’s prior-year Paragraph 5 Salary, retaining exclusive negotiating rights.
On July 15, at 4:00 p.m. ET, the deadline arrives for signing a designated Franchise Player to a multi-year contract or extension. After this date, the player can only sign a one-year contract for the 2025 season, with no extensions permitted until after the Commanders’ final regular season game. In mid-July, the team can open preseason training camp for rookies seven days before the mandatory reporting date for veterans. Veteran quarterbacks and injured players may report five days prior to other veterans, provided rookie camp has begun.
By July 22, at 4:00 p.m. ET, the signing period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders and unrestricted free agents who received a “UFA Tender.” After this date, the Commanders retain exclusive negotiating rights until the Tuesday following the 10th regular season weekend. On August 5, drafted rookies unsigned by this date cannot be traded and may only sign with their drafting club until the 2026 NFL Draft.
The preseason schedule includes three weekends of games: August 7-10, August 15-18, and August 21-23. On August 26, at 4:00 p.m. ET, the Commanders must reduce their roster to 53 players, making decisions on players in categories like Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness. Options include placing players on reserve lists, requesting waivers, terminating contracts, or trading. The team can designate up to two players on reserve lists for return during this reduction.
On August 27, the claiming period for waived players expires at 12:00 noon ET, allowing the Commanders to establish a 17-player practice squad, including one designated International Player. Preseason training camp concludes on August 31, marking the end of initial preparations.
The regular season begins with Kickoff Weekend on September 4-5 and 7-8, with the Commanders’ schedule outlined in the sports card above. On September 23, claiming priority shifts to current standings, with ties broken by strength-of-schedule, strength-of-victory, point differential, or lot. Starting September 26, the team can begin practicing players on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness for up to 21 days.
Key fall dates include the Fall League Meeting on October 21-22 in New York and the trade deadline on November 4 at 4:00 p.m. ET. On November 11, at 4:00 p.m. ET, the signing period ends for Franchise and Transition Players, as well as restricted and unrestricted free agents with outstanding tenders, prohibiting unsigned players from playing in 2025. The Commanders face the Miami Dolphins in an NFL International Game on November 16 in Madrid, Spain.
In December, a Special League Meeting occurs virtually on December 9-10. The regular season concludes with Week 18 on January 3-4, followed by roster freezes for postseason teams on January 7 at 4:00 p.m. ET. The postseason begins with Wild Card Weekend on January 10-12, Divisional Playoffs on January 17-18, Conference Championships on January 25, and Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
These dates guide the Commanders’ offseason strategy, from securing key players to finalizing their roster for a competitive 2025 season.
