Here is a look at the upcoming important dates on the NFL calendar to keep an eye on with regards to free agency ...

January 18: East-West Shrine Game

January 25: Senior Bowl

January 26: Pro Bowl

February 3: Waiver system begins for 2014

February 19-25: NFL Scouting Combine

March 3: Prior to 4:00 p.m., EST, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 8: Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2013 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 11. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 11.

March 11: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2014 on all players who have option clauses in their 2013 contracts.
-- Clubs must submit Qualifying Offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
-- Clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2013 contracts and who have fewer than three Accrued Seasons of free agency credit.
-- Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the 2014 Salary Cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
-- All 2013 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
-- The 2014 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
-- Trading period for 2014 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2013 contracts.

April 21: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.