NFL Takes Steps to Finalize 2025 Schedule Amid Draft Excitement

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The NFL aims to finalize its 2025 schedule by mid-May, with the tentative announcement dates set for May 13, 14, or 15. Mike North, the league’s vice president of broadcast planning, shared updates this week during an appearance on the “It’s Always Gameday in Buffalo” podcast.

North emphasized the fluid nature of the schedule’s release, stating, “No set date because, really, you never know. If by some miracle we’re done on May 7 and we present one to the boss [Roger Goodell] and the commissioner says, ‘Hey, this is perfect, I wouldn’t change a thing, guys,’ we’re done. Pencils down. If so, probably no reason to sit on it.”

While the schedule typically includes matchups of all 32 NFL teams, the spring and early summer months are generally slow for the league. The NFL Draft concludes, and training camp has yet to start, leaving fans eagerly waiting for any significant updates. The schedule release has become a popular event, celebrated by teams with elaborate announcement videos.

This season’s opening will feature the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who will kick off their campaign on September 4. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are set to play in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5.

Fans and analysts alike anticipate the release not only for the matchups but for its implications on player matchups and team strategies heading into the next season. The upcoming 2025 season also overlaps with discussions around key players expected to be drafted, including standout wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

McMillan is touted as a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, with an executive from a 2024 playoff team expressing his admiration, stating, “He’s got true star-level tools and elite production. Our entire building loves him. There’s just no way he makes it to us.” His impressive collegiate stats include over 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, followed by another successful year in 2024.

Teams are reportedly interested in securing McMillan for their rosters ahead of the draft, which will hold individual meetings with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers.

To continue the anticipation, Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions is also eager for the season to start, indicating his desire to face the Eagles in the season opener. The NFL has yet to confirm the complete schedule; however, the Lions are slated to play against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

In 2024, both Philadelphia and Detroit were the top seeds in the NFC playoffs, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch as they kick off the 2025 season.