Important upcoming NFL Dates. The panthers have some work to do quickly.

[Highlandfire]

Feb. 5 -- First day that teams may designate franchise or transition players

Feb 8 - Pro Bowl

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL combine

Feb. 19 -- Deadline for teams to designate franchise or transition players

Feb. 26 -- Deadline for teams to qualify offers to restricted free agents

Feb. 27 -- Free agency begins

March 16 -- First day that clubs may conduct offseason workouts or minicamps

March 22-25 -- Annual league meeting

April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

We need to start clearing room soon if we are going to Franchise Peppers by the 19th.

[frash.exe]

I suspect the franchise tag to be used a shitload this year like it was last year.

People like Ray Lewis, Brandon Jacobs, Houshmandzadeh, Matt Birk come to mind as likely candidates.

[Fireball77]

Wonder how the uncapped year will factor in as far as the franchise tag usage? Maybe a lot of teams will use the FT then let the guy walk in the uncapped year thinking the money will be too silly?

As an aside, I HATE the time period between minicamp and TC the most. It drags so much.

[Highlandfire]

I don't see an uncapped year. Once a new head of the players union is in place, I see a new CBA being put in place.