The month of January is crucial in the NFL calendar, combining decisive moments for player contracts, the excitement of the playoffs and milestone events.
Here’s a look at the month’s highlights.
Start of Contract Movements: January 6
January 6 marks the opening of the free agency window for the 2025 season. Clubs can sign free agents, including players from the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Additionally, teams can:
•Renegotiate or extend rookie contracts selected in the 2022 NFL Draft or undrafted rookies signed in 2023.
•Exercise fifth year options for players selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft.
These new contracts will no longer be considered rookie contracts and will therefore not be subject to restrictive rules.
Roster Freeze for the Playoffs: January 8
As of 4:00 p.m. (New York time) on January 8, the rosters of teams qualified for the playoffs are frozen, with limited exceptions. This rule guarantees the stability of the squad before the start of the playoffs.
Wild Card Weekend : 11-13 janvier
-The playoffs officially begin with Wild Card Weekend. For three days, confrontations will pit wild card teams against the lowest ranked division champions. Watch out for surprises!
Deadline for College Players: January 15
College players who wish to declare themselves eligible for the NFL Draft must submit their application for a Special Eligibility before January 15.
Divisional Round: January 18-19
The race for the playoffs continues with the Divisional round. The highest-ranked teams, exempt from the first round, will enter the fray, and determine the conference finalists.
Championship Sunday : 26 janvier
Conference finals AFC et NFCwill designate the two teams that will face each other in the Super Bowl, the culmination of the season.
East-West Shrine Bowl : 30 janvier
The month ends withEast-West Shrine Bowlwhich will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This prestigious match between the best university players highlights the talents of the next Draft.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
