We’re talking about practice!
The Buffalo Bills are putting together final touches in preparation for their 2025 NFL Draft big board, which is just a few short weeks away. Once the draft ends and the team makes moves to sign undrafted free agents, the timer begins counting down the days and weeks until voluntary and mandatory team activities commence.
This week, the NFL released offseason workout program dates for the entire NFL. The Bills will begin with Phase One on Monday, April 21. Those workouts kick off a nine-week voluntary program that finishes with a three-day mandatory minicamp from June 10-12.
As of publishing, no date has been set for Bills rookie minicamp, which must be held on either of first two weekends following the conclusion of the draft. Teams are also allowed to host a rookie football development program that can last for up to a period of seven weeks, beginning May 12 of this year. Per NFL guidelines, teams are not allowed to hold activities with these rookies during weekends — with the one exception being that specific post-draft rookie minicamp.
Here’s a brief rundown of the key dates, and what teams can accomplish during each phase.
- First Day: April 21 (phase one begins)
- OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 2-3, June 5 (all part of phase two)
- Mandatory Minicamp: June 10-12 (held at end of phase three)
Per the new release by NFL.com:
“Phase One consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.
Phase Two consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as ‘perfect play drills,’ and drills and plays with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players, conducted at a walk-through pace. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.
Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or ‘OTAs.’ No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.”
Though the 2025 NFL regular season is months away, these activities and practices are a reminder that the NFL never stops, and the Bills will be back on the field before we know it.