Bookmark It: Broncos' notable 2018 offseason dates

DENVER — The Denver Broncos have been in offseason mode for over three and a half million seconds in 2018. The moment the new year rang in, the Broncos put the 2017 season in the rearview mirror and have spent more than a month focusing on the upcoming season, albeit it’s over half a year away.

While it seems like a lot has happened at the beginning of Denver’s offseason—and in a way that’s true with the excitement of the Senior Bowl—in reality, it’s truly just getting started. Heck, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots started their offseason just over one week ago.

In order for the Broncos to quickly bounce back from their 5-11 season last year, the events of this offseason will be absolutely crucial. Here are the major dates and events to keep your eye on before the start of the season in September.

February 20: Teams can start using the Franchise Tag or Transition Tag — John Elway has not been shy about using this designation in the past, most notably Von Miller two years ago. Will he do it again? With names such as Virgil Green, Todd Davis, Allen Barbre and Cody Latimer set to be free agents, it would be a major shock if the Broncos tagged anyone this offseason at the very high price that comes with using the designations.

February 27-March 5: NFL Combine — Although most of the attention will be on 40-yard dash times, potentially the most important aspect of the combine is the interviews, where teams get to meet and ask questions to potential NFL players.

March 6 at 2:00 p.m. MST: Deadline for using the Franchise or Transition Tag — Since it’s unlikely the Broncos will use this tag by then, all eyes will be on the Washington Redskins to see if they place either of these tags on Kirk Cousins.

March 12: Teams are allowed to speak with upcoming Unrestricted Free Agents — Even though free agency doesn’t officially begin for two more days, free agents and teams are allowed to begin contract talks, but cannot officially sign the dotted line until March 14.

March 14 before 2:00 p.m. MST: Broncos contract deadlines — By the last day of the 2017 league year, the Broncos have to exercise options on Demaryius Thomas and Chris Harris Jr.’s contracts in order for them to be on the team in 2018. If the options are not picked up, then the individual players will not be on the roster the following day at the start of free agency. It is expected Harris’ option will be picked up, but Thomas’ future is not as certain.

March 14: New league year begins — The start of the NFL’s new year actually brings many exciting things with it. First, free agency begins at 2:00 p.m. MST, which allows teams and free agents to officially put pen to paper and sign deals. Teams are also allowed to trade players; could the Broncos be in the market for a big-time player, specifically at quarterback? It is also the deadline for teams to exercise options on players for the 2018 season and to submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents.

March 25-28: Annual League Meeting —This is where rule changes—and various other things pertaining to the well-being of the league—happen. Owners, executives and coaches from every team meet in a warm-climate location, this year will be in the world of Disney, Orlando, Florida.

April 16: Offseason workout program for teams with returning head coaches begins — The 2018 Broncos will take the field for the first time of the season. Since Vance Joseph enters his second-year as head coach, Denver won’t get two extra weeks of offseason workouts as they did last year when he was a rookie head coach.

April 26-28: NFL Draft — The most exciting and entertaining part of the offseason takes place in Dallas, Texas and with Denver possessing the No. 5 overall pick it makes the draft just that much more important.

May 3: Deadline to exercise fifth-year option for 2015 first-round selections — By this date, the Broncos have to decide whether to keep Shane Ray on the roster in 2019 for just over $9 million or if 2018 will be the final year of his contract. Last year, the Broncos exercised Bradley Roby’s fifth-year option for 2018, keeping him on the team an additional year for $8.53 million.

May 4-7 OR May 11-14: Teams can hold one three-day rookie minicamp — NFL teams are allowed to bring in their drafted and undrafted rookies for their own private minicamp before joining the veterans.

May 17-20: NFLPA Rookie Premiere — Notable rookies, typically first and second round picks, attend a weekend full of photoshoots, life classes and an introduction into the NFL.

May 21-23: Spring League Meeting — Another meeting between team executives where Super Bowl hosts are announced, and additional rule changes can happen, among other business tasks. This meeting will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosts of the 2019 and 2020 drafts will also be announced here and Denver is a finalist for both years.

July 16: Deadline for franchise players to sign long-term contracts — This deadline has been very interesting in Elway’s tenure as GM with Miller and Thomas not signing long-term contracts until days, and even hours, before the deadline.

Late July: Training camp begins — The unofficial start of the season begins with a multi-week “camp” a month and a half before the start of the season, and two weeks before the first preseason game.

September 1: Rosters cut to 53 — In one day, rosters will be from 90 players to 53. This will be the second-straight season where there is only one cutdown day.

September 6: NFL season kicks off — The NFL season will kickoff with a likely marquee matchup on Thursday night with the rest of the games will begin the following Sunday and Monday.

September 9 or 10: Broncos first game of 2018 — The NFL has showcased Denver on national television many times to start the season. If they do so again, the Broncos could open up their season on one of the two Monday Night Football games. However, after a 5-11 season, it’s likely their first game will on the first football Sunday.