re: 2019 Off-season

Saints’ offseason dates to remember

While fans are still upset over that missed call, the Saints franchise is preparing for the offseason.

Thanks in part to a no call on a clear pass interference call in the NFC Championship Game, the New Orleans Saints did not play in Super Bowl LIII, but instead got a head start on their work to retain the players they want to keep for next season and scout the next crop of collegiate talent they may want to spend a draft pick on in the spring.

A lot of business will take place between now and next September.

Feb. 19: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players

NFL teams can begin designating franchise or transition tagged players on February 19 and need to do so by the deadline of March 5. The Saints did not apply the franchise tag to any of their players last season, and they may not again this offseason, though they could give running back Mark Ingram that designation if they are unable to negotiate a new deal for the pending free agent.

Feb. 26 to March 4: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.

One of the biggest dates on the NFL offseason calendar, the Scouting Combine is more than just the place where draft prospects go through drills and interviews for NFL teams. It can also prove to be the site of some private discussions between teams interested in orchestrating a trade. There has already been some rumbling that the Saints may pursue Antonio Brown.

March 11 to 13: The “legal tampering” period

Over these two days, teams are allowed to enter into contract negotiations with the agents of players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents when their contracts expire at the start of the league year. This has become a time where free agents sign contracts with their teams of choice, so there should be a fair amount of free agent news to surface over this time.

During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 11th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13th, teams are allowed to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2018 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

During this two day negotiating period, a prospective unrestricted free agents who is not represented by an NFL Players Association Certified Contract Adviser is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials, excluding the head coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff, regarding contract negotiations.

March 13: The 2019 National Football League year begins

New Year’s Day in the pro football world is also the first day of the free agency period. This is the time when (among other things) free agents can sign contracts with other teams, the 2019 trading period begins, and every NFL team needs to be under the 2019 salary cap.

March 24 to 27: Annual NFL League Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona

Coaches, general managers, and owners head to the desert for a meeting that could include rule changes and meetings with the press. This will be the time when a pair of Saints will look to bend the ears of their colleagues: team owner Gayle Benson to her fellow owners and head coach Sean Payton to fellow members of the Competition Committee, both looking to introduce some kind of change to the review policy surrounding penalties and no calls in games going forward.

April 15: Teams with returning head coaches begin offseason workout programs

Teams with new head coaches begin their workout program on April 1, but teams like the Saints with returning coaches begin two weeks later. The NFL’s workout program has three phases: strength and conditioning and rehabilitation, individual player instruction and practices on a separates basis, and organized team activities, in May and June.

April 25 to 27: The 2019 NFL Draft

The Saints have come into their previous two drafts with some game changing players, including Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore, and Ryan Ramczyk. Last year, the team drafted Marcus Davenport, a deal that will deprive them of a first round pick this year, but which netted them a very talented and promising player for the future. This year, the Draft will take place in Nashville, Tenn.

Feb. 2, 2020: The playing of Super LIV in Miami, Fla.

The 54th edition of the National Football League’s championship event will kick off on the second day of February next year, and already the odds makers are liking the Saints’ chances to represent the NFC in this game, giving them 8/1 odds to win it all. The Saints have the same core in place on offense and defense, but will have to work out a deal for Mark Ingram first and then add another piece perhaps at wide receiver.