When does 2017 NFL free agency start, begin? When is football combine?

One could easily make the case that the NFL offseason is just as big as the NBA, MLB or NHL regular season at this point as every football fan-base wants to keep up with free agency and the draft. Here is a look at the most important dates in the coming months.

Wednesday, Feb. 15: First day for teams to designate franchise players

Tuesday, Feb. 28: Monday, March 6: NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

Wednesday, March 1: Deadline for teams to designate franchise or transition players (4 p.m. EDT)

Tuesday, March 7: Teams are allowed to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the agents of unrestricted free agents.

Thursday, March 9: Contracts with unrestricted free agents can be completed at 4 p.m. Teams must exercise options for players with options and teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents.