NFL Franchise Tag: A Closer Look
Introduction
The NFL franchise tag window, where teams can apply the tag to pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), has officially opened. However, this mechanism often faces criticism as it can limit or eliminate a player’s ability to negotiate with other clubs during free agency. While the tag provides a substantial one-year salary, it lacks the security of a long-term contract and prevents players from reaching the top of their financial market. Nonetheless, for some players not drafted in the first round, the tag can be a welcome opportunity to capitalize on their performance after a rookie contract.
Impact on Players and Teams
Tags can also serve as precursors to trades or simply provide more time for a player and their camp to negotiate a long-term arrangement. However, when these outcomes fail to materialize, they can result in missed training camps, early season absences, or even entire seasons being skipped, as in the infamous case of former Steelers star Le’Veon Bell. Buyers tend to be cautious with tags, especially considering the apparent unwillingness of other teams to part with two first-round picks, as evidenced by the Lamar Jackson case.
As teams weigh their tag options ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline on March 4th, here’s a brief analysis of each team’s situation:
Team-by-Team Analysis
| Team | Tag Considerations |
|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | No compelling candidates for the tag |
| Atlanta Falcons | May consider a tag for C Drew Dalman |
| Baltimore Ravens | Big question mark over Pro Bowl LT Ronnie Stanley |
| Buffalo Bills | No significant free agents worthy of a tag |
| Carolina Panthers | No need to use tag after franchising Brian Burns last year |
| Chicago Bears | Tag not necessary given abundant cap space |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Dilemma over WR Tee Higgins’ franchise status |
| Cleveland Browns | Zero reason to worsen their cap situation |
| Dallas Cowboys | Costly tags could jeopardize Micah Parsons extension |
| Denver Broncos | No UFA candidates warranting a tag |
| Detroit Lions | Opportunity to pursue veteran wideouts instead of tagging |
| Green Bay Packers | No need to reserve funds for tags |
| Houston Texans | WR Brandin Cooks could be a potential tag candidate |
| Indianapolis Colts | May need to tag DE Yannick Ngakoue |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Tagged OLB Josh Allen last season |
| Kansas City Chiefs | May tag or extend RB Jerick McKinnon |
| Las Vegas Raiders | No UFAs worthy of a tag |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Tag unlikely due to injury concerns for RB J.K. Dobbins |
| Los Angeles Rams | Could tag LT Alaric Jackson |
| Miami Dolphins | Jevon Holland or Bryon Murphy Jr. could be tag candidates |
| Minnesota Vikings | Sam Darnold or Bryon Murphy Jr. could be sensible tag targets |
| New England Patriots | No UFA candidates warranting a tag |
| New Orleans Saints | Cap constraints preclude their use of tags |
| New York Giants | May consider a tag for CB D.J. Reed |
| New York Jets | No pressing need for tags |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Nakobe Dean’s injury could justify tagging LB Zack Baun |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Justin Fields or Russell Wilson could be considered for tags |
| San Francisco 49ers | Safety Talanoa Hufanga is a potential tag candidate |
| Seattle Seahawks | Tag not necessary given their rebuilding process |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Cannot afford to tag an aging Chris Godwin |
| Tennessee Titans | Tag unlikely given need for prudent spending |
| Washington Commanders | Bobby Wagner’s age and position make him an unlikely tag candidate |
Mechanism and Value
The franchise tag is a one-year player contract that offers a substantial raise from the player’s current salary but restricts their ability to explore the free agent market. Its value is determined based on a player’s position and previous year’s salaries. The Cap Percentage Average formula is used to calculate this value, ensuring that tag values typically increase year over year.
Franchised players have until July 15th to reach a long-term deal with their team. If no agreement is reached, they must play the 2025 season on the tag. There are three types of tags:
- Non-exclusive franchise tag: Allows players to negotiate with other clubs. If the player signs an offer sheet with another team, their current team has the option of matching it or letting the player go and receiving two first-round draft picks as compensation.
- Exclusive franchise tag: Prohibits players from negotiating with other teams.
- Transition tag: Less lucrative than the franchise tag, it provides no draft compensation to a player’s original team if they decline to match an offer sheet.
Recent Examples of Tag Success and Failure
In recent years, several players have been franchised and later extended or traded, demonstrating the potential benefits of this mechanism. Some notable examples include:
- Brian Burns (OLB, Giants): Franchised by the Panthers, he was later traded to New York and signed a lucrative long-term contract.
- Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals): Played last season on the franchise tag and is currently seeking a long-term extension.
- Josh Hines-Allen (OLB, Jaguars): Eventually signed a substantial contract after being franchised.
- Jaylon Johnson (CB, Bears): Franchised and later signed a multi-year extension.
- Justin Madubuike (DT, Ravens): Franchised and subsequently signed a long-term deal.
- Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Colts): Franchised and later agreed to a lucrative extension.
- L’Jarius Sneed (CB, Titans): Franchised by the Chiefs and later traded to the Titans, where he signed a long-term contract.
- Antoine Winfield (FS, Buccaneers): Franchised and eventually signed a multi-year extension.
- Kyle Dugger (S, Patriots): Received the transition tag and later signed a long-term deal.
The franchise tag can be a complex and controversial mechanism in the NFL. While it provides teams with a tool to retain key players, it can also hinder player movement and limit their earning potential. Teams must carefully consider their options before applying the tag to ensure they make the best decision for their organization.
