The Miami Dolphins are transitioning into a new phase with Jeff Hafley taking the helm as head coach, and the NFL offseason is already well underway. Following the initial wave of free agency and the NFL Owners Meetings, attention now shifts to the upcoming offseason program and the 2026 NFL Draft.

Offseason Program Kickoff

The Dolphins will begin their offseason program earlier than usual due to the hiring of a new head coach. Players will officially gather as a team for the first time since the end of the 2025 season on Tuesday, April 6th. This marks the start of preparations under Coach Hafley’s leadership.

Key Dates in April

April is packed with important deadlines and events. Here’s a detailed look at the NFL’s official offseason calendar:

April Deadlines & Events

  • April 6: Clubs with new head coaches (like the Dolphins) may begin offseason workout programs.
  • April 6: Deadline for clubs to conduct pre-draft evaluations (timing, testing, interviews) with draft-eligible players at their facilities.
  • April 6: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
  • April 6: Deadline for Right of First Refusal on restricted free agents. Note: This deadline does not apply to the Dolphins, as they did not extend qualifying offers to any of their RFAs.
  • Ongoing: Deadline for clubs to conduct pre-draft evaluations at any location.
  • April 26: Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft.
  • Post-Draft: Clubs may hold rookie minicamps the weekend after the draft or the following weekend. The Dolphins have held theirs the second weekend for the past four years, but Coach Hafley’s preference is currently unknown.

May & Beyond: Further Offseason Milestones

The offseason calendar extends beyond April with several more key dates:

May - July Deadlines

  • May: NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, California.
  • May: Deadline for “June 1 Tender” to unsigned restricted free agents.
  • May: Deadline to withdraw higher qualifying offer to restricted free agents.
  • July 22: Deadline for clubs to sign Franchise Players to multiyear contracts.
  • July: Preseason training camp can open for rookies seven days before veteran reporting date.

Looking Ahead

The Miami Dolphins are navigating a crucial offseason as they build for the future under new leadership. These dates represent key milestones in that process, leading up to the 2026 season.

Source: Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins On SI and host of the All Dolphins Podcast. Poupart has covered the Dolphins since 1989 for various publications, including Dolphin Digest, The Associated Press, and the Dolphins team website.