Important offseason dates approaching for the Steelers

While most complain about the length of the NFL offseason, there are stops along the way which help satisfy our hunger for football news. It all starts with free agency and the new league year, then bleeds into the NFL Draft and finally training camp.

But even between those big events are smaller events which help pass the time. After all, football in shorts is better than no football at all, right?

The coaching staff will have the opportunity to work with their players for the first time, and for new offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, new defensive backs coach Tom Bradly, new defensive line coach Karl Dunbar and new wide receiver coach Darryl Drake, this will be their first time working with their new players in a formal setting.

It all starts next Monday, April 16th, when the players report for the official offseason workout program.

Get the full breakdown below:

April 16 — Off-season workout programs begin.

Phase I: Two weeks of Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation only.

Phase II: Three weeks of on-field workouts/instructions but no full-team drills.

Phase III: Four weeks of organized team activities (resemble in-season no-contact practices).

Throughout the OTAs there are some important deadline for restricted free agents. They are below:

April 20 — Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 25 — Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents.

Finally, the big show happens on April 26th (Thursday) when the 2018 NFL Draft kicks off!

April 26-28 — 2018 NFL Draft, Arlington, Texas.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on the news and note throughout the offseason, all focused solely on the black-and-gold.