The NFL league year started back on March 13th. The NFL Draft and OTAs (Organized Team Activities) have passed us by, as have some minicamps for all teams.
We are now in the deepest lull of the offseason, waiting for training camps to start across the league but not until late July.
For the Dallas Cowboys, that date is set for July 25th when they will kick off Training Camp 2024 and the fifth season under HC Mike McCarthy.
Ahead of the rest of the league year, the NFL has released important dates that we need to know. Today, I want to cherry-pick some of the dates that are most important to the Dallas Cowboys.
July 15th: Franchised Players
The first major date is July 15th. On this day, teams have until 4pm New York time to sign their franchised player to a long-term extension. Should the deadline pass, only a one-year deal may be offered, and it must be signed before the first regular season game of the season.
In addition to the one-year max deal, a new extension cannot be offered or signed until the team’s final regular season game of 2024. Essentially, lock in your franchise or transitional players before July 15th or risk losing the player in 2025 free agency.
Dallas did not franchise any players, but other franchised players around the league could affect the Cowboys in their negotiations with QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, or even EDGE Micah Parsons.
Mid-July
Unfortunately, this one does not have a specific date. I’m not sure if it just hasn’t been revealed as of yet or if it’s just a general period of time.
During this time, teams may bring in rookies for a rookie minicamp. This also includes players who were injured as rookies and haven’t been awarded with an accredited season.
For the Cowboys, the most notable player who fits this description would be DeMarvion Overshown. Whether or not the Cowboys will have him repeat rookie minicamp remains to be seen.
August 6th
By this date, any draft picks who have yet to sign their contracts cannot be traded to any other teams during the 2024 season, and can only be signed by the drafting team until the 2025 NFL Draft.
The last draft pick to sign his contract for the Cowboys was DE Marshawn Kneeland. This deadline does not affect the Cowboys directly.
August 27th
This is an important date that should be circled by anyone who creates any sort of content for the Dallas Cowboys. By this date, rosters need to be trimmed down to the final 53 men.
The Cowboys have a competitive team that is sure to spawn many training camp battles. The team is a mix of veterans who could be supplanted by younger players on the rise. On the other hand, there are also several young players who are wearing out their welcome without more production.
There are sure to be some surprises when it comes to roster cutdown day, and we will be here for all of the reactions when the time comes.
In addition to the roster cutdown, teams also must make decisions on players with IR (Injured Reserve), PUP (Physically Unable to Perform), and NFI (Non-Football Injury) designations.
Prior to the 27th, such players did not count against the 90-man roster. On the 27th, they do and decisions must be made about their futures.
Teams may only select two players on IR to designate to return during the season.
August 28th
In conjunction with the previous day’s massive roster cutdowns, teams have until 12pm to place a claim for any players who qualify for waivers. I expect the Cowboys to be somewhat active on this day as they consider it the fourth wave of free agency.
Also on this day, teams may assemble a 17-man practice squad as long as one of those players is labeled as an International player. I’ll have to go and confirm, but I believe Isaac Alarcon’s eligibility has expired.
Surely, Dallas will bring in another player to fill that role. Even if they just think of him as a camp body.
September 1st
The 1st of September is important because it officially closes preseason training camp for all clubs and sets each team’s sights on the regular season.
Teams must file a practice report with the league no later than 4pm and will subsequently be required to continue these practice reports throughout the season.
September 4th
By this date, teams must get all of their financials in order by making sure all of their players under contract fit within the guidelines of the salary cap.
This is important because should the Cowboys be over the cap, they may release, trade, or restructure a player’s contract to get under the threshold.
November 5th
The trade window is officially closed at 4pm on November 5th. This is the beginning of the ninth week of the regular season.
The last blockbuster trade deadline acquisition the Cowboys made was when they traded a 1st-round pick to the Raiders for WR Amari Cooper.
Only time will tell if another one of those transactions is necessary.
That is the last of the major dates that directly affect the Cowboys. To see the full league schedule, you can click on this link.