6 Key NFL Dates For 2016

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- This Sunday was weird.

For the first time in about six months, there was no football to watch. On the positive side, the official start of the 2016 season is just about three weeks away. It can't come soon enough.

Here are six key dates to keep an eye on.

6. February 16th

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Sam Bradford #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 13, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

This is the first day for teams to designate the franchise or transition tags.

5. March 1st

This is the deadline for teams to designate the franchise or transition tag. They have until 4:00 p.m. ET to do so, or else said player will become a free-agent.

4. March 7-9th

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus walks on the sideline before a preseaon game between the Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Teams are allowed to contact and negotiate with agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents at 4 p.m. ET on March 9. A free-agent cannot be officially signed to a contract with a new team until 4:00 p.m. ET on March 9th.

3. March 9th, 4:00 p.m. E.T.

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 06: Jeremy Maclin #19 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores on 13-yard pass from Alex Smith #11 during their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 6, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)

This is the big day.

All teams must be under the 2016 salary cap, 2015 player contracts expire, and the 2016 league year and free agency period begins.

2. April 22nd

This is the deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign offer sheets. For the Eagles, offensive lineman Matt Tobin is a restricted free-agent.

1. April 28th

Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

The 2016 NFL Draft begins.