Pred's Fantasy Football Forums - 2004 Season Timeline

Here are the key dates for everyone to keep in mind (as always, let me know if I've made an error):

FYI - Ending Dates are listed in Maroon, Opening Dates are listed in Navy

Wednesday March 24th at 11:59pm - 2004 RFA Declarations are Due

Wednesday March 31st at 11:59pm - 2003 Soft Cap Period Ends

Thursday April 1 at 12:00am - 2004 Hard Cap Period Begins

Thursday April 1 at 12:00am - 2004 RFA Bidding Opens

Friday April 30th at 11:59pm - 2004 RFA Bidding Closes

May 10 at 12:00am (the 2nd Monday in May each year) this allows about 3 weeks for the NFL draft to be evaluated - 2004 Rookie Draft Begins

June 1 at 12:00am - this date will also be somewhat flexible in that as it would not open until 48 hours after the rookie draft has been completed - Opening of the UFA period

August 31st at 12:00am - this will be a flexible date each year that basically commences the day after the 3rd pre-season games end (4th for the few teams that play 5). This will be approximately 7-10 days before the NFL regular season kicks off - 2004 Injured Reserve Opens

August 31 at 11:59pm - this will be a flexible date each year that basically commences the day after the 3rd pre-season games end (4th for the few teams that play 5). This will be approximately 7-10 days before the NFL regular season kicks off - DS players and contracts must be declared

September 1st (flexible date to be the day after contracts and DS are declared) - opening of 2004 In-Season Free Agency

Sunday October 31st at 11:59pm - 2004 Hard Cap Period Ends

Monday November 1st at 12:00am - 2004 Soft Cap Period Begins

Beginning of Week 14 Games - 2004 Off-Season Free Agency Ends

Tuesday after Week 14 games - 2004 Post Season Free Agency Begins

Beginning of Week 16 Games - 2004 Post-Season Free Agency Ends