The San Francisco 49ers 2017 season is officially a wrap. There will be plenty to break down from their final game, and the season as a whole, but in the meantime, we can also start looking ahead. There will be chunks of downtime, but the calendar is going to be busy over the next few months.
Things could get started as early as today, although I imagine the 49ers will take some time to start taking care of business. Draft picks cannot negotiate an extension or restructure their existing contract until after three full seasons. Undrafted free agents sign three-year contracts as rookies, and can begin renegotiating after their second full season. Starting today, the 49ers can begin negotiating new contracts with players drafted in 2015 and UDFAs signed in 2016.
The 49ers don’t have any of their 2016 UDFAs still on the team, but have a few 2015 draft picks. They include Arik Armstead, Jaquiski Tartt, Eli Harold, Bradley Pinion, and Trent Brown.
Speaking of Armstead, today is the start of when the 49ers can consider exercising their fifth year option on his rookie deal. They have until May 3 to make that decision, and they will likely use most of that time.
Here is a full rundown of important dates between now and the 2018 NFL Draft.
January 1: Earliest date to re-negotiate or extend rookie contracts for 2015 draft picks and 2016 undrafted free agents. Window opens to exercise fifth-year option for 2015 first round draft picks. Runs to May 3.
January 15: Deadline for college players that are underclassmen to apply for special eligibility in 2018 NFL Draft. A list of those players submitted to teams on January 19.
January 20: East-West Shrine Game — St. Petersburg, FL
January 27: Senior Bowl — Mobile, AL
February 20: First day teams can designate a franchise or transition player
February 27 - March 5: NFL Scouting Combine — Indianapolis, IN
March 6, 1 p.m. PT: Final day teams can apply franchise or transition tag
March 12-14: Free agents can negotiate with other clubs starting 9 a.m. PT on the 12th, ending 12:59 p.m. on the 14th. Players cannot sign a contract until 1 p.m. on March 14.
March 14: New league year starts. Trades can be executed, free agents can sign contracts
April 16: Teams with returning head coach can begin offseason workout program
April 26-28: 2018 NFL Draft — Arlington, TX