Important Dates for the Detroit Lions in 2025: Mark Your Calendars!

The Detroit Lions are in the midst of an exciting season, and 2025 holds great promise. Whether we’ll be watching the Lions in February or anticipating new additions to the roster, there’s a lot to look forward to. Let’s dive into some key dates that every Lions fan should be aware of as we move through the year.

January 6th – CFL Signing Period Opens

The Lions are known for scouting talent beyond the NFL, and the Canadian Football League (CFL) often serves as a fertile ground for finding potential stars. In the past, the team has brought in players like Mathieu Betts and drafted Giovanni Manu from Canada. Expect the Lions to keep an eye on emerging CFL talent as they consider ways to strengthen their roster.

Additionally, January 6th marks the beginning of the period when teams can exercise their fifth-year options. This is a crucial time for evaluating the futures of players like Jameson Williams. After his suspension, the Lions will need to decide whether they want to pick up his fifth year or negotiate a new deal based on his performance this season.

January 11th-13th – Wild Card Round of the Playoffs

While the Lions’ playoff position is still uncertain, this is when the Wild Card round takes place. Whether the team is playing this weekend will depend on their final games, but if they do make the playoffs, the excitement will be palpable. It’s time to see if the Lions can continue their journey into the postseason!

January 18th-19th – Divisional Round of the Playoffs

If the Lions make it past the Wild Card round, the Divisional round will be their next challenge. This weekend will determine whether they advance further into the playoffs or if their postseason journey ends here. Stay tuned for what could be a thrilling game!

January 26th – AFC and NFC Championship Games

This is the day when the AFC and NFC Championship games will be played, but for Lions fans, it’s a hopeful date. If the Lions are still in the playoffs by this time, we’ll all be eagerly watching as the championship games set the stage for the Super Bowl.

January 30th – East vs West Shrine Bowl

The Shrine Bowl is a vital event where teams get a closer look at college prospects. For the Lions, this is an important time to evaluate talent that could potentially be drafted. You can expect the Lions’ scouts to be actively evaluating players at this event, preparing for the upcoming draft.

February 1st – Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl is another key event where the Lions will likely have a presence. This game, which showcases some of the best senior college players, is an excellent opportunity for teams to evaluate prospects. The Lions’ front office will be paying close attention to the players who stand out in this game and the practices leading up to it.

February 2nd – The Pro Bowl

While the Pro Bowl might not be the main focus for Lions fans, it’s still a date to keep in mind. If any Lions players are selected for the Pro Bowl, it’s a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

February 9th – Super Bowl Sunday

The most anticipated date for any NFL fan is Super Bowl Sunday. While the Lions will be hoping to make it to the big game, this is also a day for reflection, and fans can begin thinking about how the team will build for the future if they fall short this season.

February 18th – Franchise Tag Window Opens

The franchise tag window opens, and while the Lions haven’t been known to use this tag in the past, it’s always worth keeping an eye on. This date will signal whether the Lions plan to apply the franchise tag to any of their key players. It’s a pivotal moment in roster management and could impact the team’s future.

February 24th-March 3rd – NFL Scouting Combine

Held annually in Indianapolis, the NFL Scouting Combine is a must-watch event for fans. This is where the Lions will get a closer look at draft prospects, and many of their decisions for the upcoming draft will be influenced by what they see during this week. Expect plenty of buzz around potential new players, and keep an eye on how the Lions handle free agency discussions during this period as well.

March 4th – Deadline for Franchise or Transition Tags

This is the last day for teams to apply the franchise or transition tags to players. For the Lions, this could impact whether certain players remain with the team long-term or hit the free-agent market. It’s an important deadline for the franchise to finalize its plans.

March 10th-12th – Legal Tampering Period

This is when the NFL’s legal tampering period begins, and it’s a whirlwind of free-agent signings and rumors. The Lions will likely be active during this time, negotiating with potential free agents and setting the stage for roster improvements.

March 12th – Official Signing Day

At noon on this day, free-agent signings become official. After the legal tampering period, teams can officially announce their signings, and the Lions will make their moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. Expect a flurry of activity, and stay tuned to see which players the Lions bring on board.

March 30th-April 2nd – NFL Annual League Meetings

The NFL League meetings take place in Florida, and this will be the last chance for fans to hear from head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes before the NFL Draft. This is a critical time for the Lions’ leadership to outline their vision for the upcoming draft and the team’s future. Fans can also expect Madden ratings to be unveiled during this time!

April 18th – Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to Sign Offer Sheets

The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets is April 18th. The Lions have only one RFA in Kayode Awosika, and they’ll likely want to bring him back for the 2025 season. This date is essential for securing their future depth on the roster.

April 21st – Offseason Workouts Begin

This is when the Lions can officially begin offseason workouts. After the draft, it’s time for the new rookies to hit the field, and veterans will be back in action as well. The Lions will be focused on building team chemistry and preparing for the upcoming season.

April 24th-26th – 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay this year, and it’s one of the most exciting events for Lions fans. This is where the team will add new players to their roster, and all eyes will be on the front office to see which prospects they select. Whether it’s a key position or a future star, the draft will shape the team’s next chapter.

May 1st – Deadline for Fifth-Year Option Decisions

The Lions will have to make a decision on Jameson Williams’ fifth-year option by May 1st. This date will give us clarity on how the team views his future with the franchise. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the decision.

May 2nd-5th or May 9th-12th – Rookie Mini-Camp

The rookie mini-camp is where the newest members of the Lions get their first taste of NFL action. It’s also a chance for undrafted players to prove themselves and earn a spot on the team. These dates are crucial for the Lions’ rookie class as they get integrated into the team.

Mid-July – Training Camp Begins

Training camp is the most exciting part of the offseason, as the Lions will get back on the field for practice. Official dates will be announced in the summer, but expect action-packed practices and plenty of competition for roster spots. OTA dates for all three phases will be announced soon, and this is where we’ll start to see how the Lions’ roster takes shape for the upcoming season.

Other Important Dates to Note

While these are the key dates to watch for the Detroit Lions in 2025, there are several other dates related to league operations that may impact the team’s decisions. Stay tuned for updates and get ready for another exciting year of Lions football!

Whether the Lions are contending for a Super Bowl or laying the foundation for future success, these dates are ones to remember. Keep an eye on them as we look forward to another thrilling season of Detroit Lions football!