Arizona Cardinals 2026 offseason program begins Tuesday with Phase 1

While most of the NFL is in draft mode, a handful of teams reached an important stage of the offseason. The Arizona Cardinals and the nine other teams that hired new head coaches this offseason begin their offseason program. They do so two weeks before the rest of the league.

While the Baltimore Ravens opened their offseason program on Monday, the Cardinals commence Phase 1 of the offseason on Tuesday, April 7. It will go for two weeks. What is allowed in Phase 1?

It is the strength and conditioning part of the offseason. According to league rules, these are the guidelines for these two weeks: NFL offseason program: Phase 1 rules It is for two weeks. It is limited to strength and conditioning or "dead-ball" activities, which include: Quarterbacks may throw to receivers with no coverage Kickers and punters can kick, but there are no snappers or holders, and no players are allowed to field punts or kicks Long snappers can snap into a net Defensive players are not to catch any balls at all Only strength and conditioning coaches allowed on field.

There is a 90-minute maximum allowed on the field. Clubs can only specify two hours for players to be at the facility. Players choose the other 2 hours for weights, etc.