Washington Redskins: 2012 NFL Offseason Schedule

Published: 6th Feb 12 6:01 am
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Super Bowl XLVI is now in the books, with the New York Giants defeating the New England Patriots, 21-17.

2011-2012 NFL season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean football is over, because the offseason is loaded with events to look forward to.

Feb. 20 – Teams can begin applying franchise and transition tags to players

  • The Washington Redskins have a decision to make as to which player they may use their franchise tag on. The two players that will get consideration is Laron Landry and Fred Davis. With Laron Landry, obviously it comes down to health. As of now, he has no plans for surgery on his left Achilles tendon. Which will not make the Redskins coaching staff happy, because without surgery, he’ll continually risk further injury. Either way, it would be a stretch to believe Laron will be ready for the first game. Therefore, I expect the Redskins to franchise Fred Davis. Give him a chance to mature off the field before paying him. He’s a talent the Redskins offense can’t afford to lose.

Feb. 22-28 – NFL Combine (live coverage on NFL Network and NFL.com)

  • Ahhh yes… My favorite event of the offseason. The combine is football’s version of a job interview. These guys are under the microscope on and off the field, in hopes of finding themselves on a NFL roster in 2012. The Redskins, I’m sure, will have their eyes on offensive players. Especially the Quarterbacks, as this will give a few guys a chance to separate themselves and prove they’re NFL material.

March 5 – Deadline for teams to apply franchise and transition tags

  • Teams have just over 2 weeks to apply franchise and transition tags, before Free Agency.

March 8 – Indianapolis Colts “The Decision”

  • This day is important for the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning, as they must make a decision on releasing or paying the star QB.

March 13 – Free agency begins at 4 p.m.

  • Let the fun begin! This is the first offseason in two years that the NFL will have a normal free agency. In 2010 the NFL faced an uncapped year, forcing 4th year players to be restricted free agents. Then of course, in 2011 the NFL faced a lockout, which made free agency like speed dating. It was indeed a frenzy in a limited amount of time. This year, free agency is back to normality, and the Redskins will surely take advantage.

March 25-28 – NFL owners meetings (in Palm Beach, FL)

  • I don’t expect anything major to come from these meetings. Maybe a few tweaks to the rules, but nothing significant. Changes to the Pro Bowl could also be made.

Mid March-April – College Pro Days/Mini Camp

  • Most schools have not set dates for their 2012 NFL Prospects to workout, however, when all dates are set I will give you key Pro Days. Around this time, Pro Prospects also visit numerous of NFL Teams for personal workouts. Coaches want to see how players either improve from the combine or stay consistent. This also gives teams another chance to interview prospects. In addition, NFL teams hold mini camps around this time.

Late April – 2012 NFL schedule is announced

  • Every NFL team will have a Thursday game next season. It will be interesting to see when the Redskins play there’s. Speculation has been rampant on the possibility of a Thanksgiving game against the hated Dallas Cowboys.

April 26 – First round of 2012 NFL Draft
April 27 – Second and third rounds of 2012 NFL Draft
April 28 – Rounds 4-7 of 2012 NFL Draft

  • In a time of revitalizing the Washington Redskins franchise, youth is needed, and it starts in the NFL Draft.

Late July – Training camps across the league begin

  • Path to the final 53 man roster begins! There will definitely be competition at every position. Mike Shanahan has made that crystal clear over the past 2 years.

Early August – 2012 preseason begins

  • The process of trimming down rosters to 53 continues during these exhibition games. A number of players are on a trail period, and must make a statement during these games. It is always interesting to see if you can find a gem. A few years ago, I remember seeing a guy name Victor Cruz have a few incredible preseason games. That same guy just won a championship with the New York Giants, and contributed greatly to their success, after being an undrafted free agent.

Sept. 6 – 2012 NFL regular season begins at stadium of Super Bowl champion

  • I hope Washington doesn’t have to kickoff another season against the New York Giants… It has become a trend every since the last Super Bowl New York won.
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