One of the most-anticipated Saints offseason schedules in years is fast approaching, and we now know when things will really kick off.
The first day offseason programs can begin is April 17 for all teams. From there, teams will have the option for a rookie minicamp -- which is yet to be scheduled -- followed by three sets of organized team activities (OTAs).
Here are the dates for the Saints' OTAs this season:
- May 23-25
- May 30-June 1
- June 5-8
Each OTA allows for three days of work, and teams have an option of how they can set them up. The Saints are opting to have the three days run sequentially. Some teams opt to have two days on, then a day off, followed by a third day of work, which effectively extends the duration to four days. There is no "live contact" allowed, per NFL rules, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.
All OTAs are voluntary, though it's possible the Saints get a higher turnout that normal with all the new additions to the coaching staff and a new quarterback in Derek Carr. It's likely the QB will be seeking to get as much work with his new receivers and running backs as possible.
Next up on the schedule will be a mandatory minicamp, which the Saints will hold from June 13-15.
After minicamp, the team will break for a bit over a month before rejoining for a full training camp to ramp into the 2023 season. Dates for camp practices, many of which will be open to fans, have not been set, though it has typically started in mid-July. The Saints are also expected to hold joint practices with the Chargers, according to a report from NOLA.com, which would occur during the second week of the preseason schedule.
With the bulk of free agency over for many teams, the next major target will be the NFL draft, which begins on Thursday, April 27 in Kansas City, Missouri.
