The 1998 NFL offseason.

In the order it happened

The transaction timeline

The draft, major signings, trades and roster decisions are ordered chronologically. Complete draft boards, trade packages and free-agent jersey changes are embedded at the moment they happened.

1. March 20 · Restricted free agency

   Curtis Martin follows Parcells to the Jets

   New York signed Martin to an offer sheet and surrendered first- and third-round picks to New England, adding the durable runner who became its offensive identity.

   Follow the jersey change beside this moment →

   12Free agencyMarch 20, 1998From NETo NYJ→Curtis Martin follows Parcells to New YorkThe Jets signed New England's restricted free-agent running back and surrendered first- and third-round compensation to a division rival.New England Patriots → New York JetsOpen offseason →

2. April 18 · NFL Draft

   Peyton Manning goes first before Ryan Leaf →

   Indianapolis chose Manning at the top of the defining quarterback debate, while Randy Moss's fall to Minnesota gave the Vikings a transformational receiver.

   The complete draft board is preserved beside this moment →

   Draft board

   1998 NFL

   01

   1

   First overall selection

   Peyton Manning

   Indianapolis Colts

   Open every pick→

3. Draft weekend · Draft steal

   Minnesota pairs Randy Moss with Carter and Cunningham

   Moss fell to No. 21 and entered an offense already rich in veteran skill, creating one of the most explosive rookie seasons ever.

4. Training camp · Season setup

   The Jets and Vikings become immediate challengers

   Martin stabilized New York while Moss changed Minnesota's ceiling, producing two conference-title teams from one offseason.