The Dallas Cowboys have been doing some wheeling and dealing with trades and free-agent signings as of late. However, on Friday, a very important date for Dallas came to light as they prepare for the NFL draft.

Per NFL Communications, April 17 is when the Cowboys will begin their offseason workouts.

First Day: April 17

Players get to bond during this time and start to build chemistry for the upcoming season both on the field and in the weight room. Also, it's when coaches reveal how they feel about their rosters and what direction they may be going in the draft. 

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 22-23, May 25, May 30, June 1-2, June 13-15 (possibly just for rookies)

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

These workouts are broken down into three phases.

Phase one is only for meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation which take place during the first two weeks of the program.

In Phase two, teams will engage in on-field activities over the next three weeks of the program. This may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play drills,” and drills and plays with offensive players can line up across from offensive players and defensive players can line up across from defensive players. These will be conducted at a walk-through pace.

During this time, there can be no live contact or team offense versus team defense drills.

Phase three takes place over the next four weeks and things start to ramp up. Teams are allowed to hold up to 10 days of organized team practice activities, commonly known as "OTAs". 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted but there can be no live contact. 

After adding five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys are looking to ride the moment of back-to-back seasons with 12 wins and finally reach at least the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1995.