The countdown to the 2026 NFL season is officially on for Eagles fans. From OTAs to Training Camp to the regular season opener, here are all the critical dates circled on every Birds fan's calendar as Philadelphia prepares to defend their Super Bowl title.
May 14: NFL Schedule Release
The NFL will unveil the full 2026 regular season schedule, revealing exactly when and where the Eagles will face their opponents. Prime-time matchups, divisional showdowns, and the all-important bye week will all be revealed.
May 26 - June 4: OTAs (Organized Team Activities)
The Eagles hit the practice field for voluntary workouts. OTAs run May 26-27, May 29, and June 1-2, 4. This is when we get our first glimpse of rookies working with veterans, new schemes being installed, and the team building chemistry heading into the season.
June 1: Post-June 1 Designations
A key date on the NFL calendar. Teams can designate players as post-June 1 cuts or trades, spreading dead cap hits across two years rather than one. Watch for potential roster moves around this date as teams finalize their cap situations.
June 9-10: Mandatory Minicamp
Unlike OTAs, minicamp attendance is mandatory. All players must report, making this our first look at the complete roster together on the field. It's the final on-field work before the summer break.
Late July: Training Camp
The real grind begins. Training Camp typically opens in late July at the NovaCare Complex. This is where roster spots are won and lost, where the team identity takes shape, and where Super Bowl dreams start becoming reality.
August 6: Preseason Begins
The Eagles return to game action in early August. While starters typically see limited snaps, preseason games are crucial for roster battles and evaluating depth. It's football, and we've missed it.
August 25: Final Roster Cuts
The 53-man roster deadline. Teams must trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players. Tough decisions will be made, and some surprising names could be looking for new homes.
September 9: WEEK 1 KICKOFF
The moment we've all been waiting for. The 2026 NFL regular season kicks off, and the Eagles begin their quest for another championship. Four months until we run it back at the Linc.
Which date are you circling on your calendar?
