NFL Franchise Tag Deadline: Winners, Losers, and a Glimpse into Free Agency
The NFL’s franchise tag deadline has passed, leaving a landscape of clarity for some and uncertainty for others. This annual ritual, often dreaded by players, dictates the fate of pending free agents, determining who remains with their current team and who gets to test the open market. This year’s deadline saw only two players, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, receive the franchise tag, a stark contrast to the eight players tagged in 2024. This lower number offers a strong indication of how teams feel about this year’s free agent class.
The franchise tag, while lucrative, can be a double-edged sword for players. It provides a guaranteed, one-year salary, often at or near the top of their position’s pay scale. However, it also prevents players from reaching unrestricted free agency, where they could potentially command even larger contracts and longer-term security. For teams, the tag is a valuable tool to retain key players, either for the upcoming season or as leverage for a potential trade.
Tee Higgins and the Bengals’ Offensive Puzzle
Tee Higgins’ situation is perhaps the most discussed outcome of this year’s deadline. His single-word post on X, "Tag," encapsulated the resignation felt by many players in his position. While he’ll be well-compensated for the 2025 season with a fully guaranteed $23.4 million, it’s not the long-term commitment he likely desires. The Bengals’ decision to tag Higgins ensures that their potent offensive trio, featuring quarterback Joe Burrow and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, remains intact for another year.
Higgins’ tag also has implications for other veteran wide receivers set to hit free agency. With Higgins off the market, players like Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, and DeAndre Hopkins could see their value slightly elevated. Teams in need of receiver help may be more willing to pay a premium for these established veterans, given the perceived lack of top-tier talent in the upcoming draft class.
Trey Smith’s Future in Kansas City
The Chiefs’ decision to tag Trey Smith provides stability to their offensive line, protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Like Higgins, Smith received the non-exclusive franchise tag, allowing him to negotiate with other teams. However, the Chiefs have the right to match any offer sheet he signs. It’s likely the Chiefs will try and work out a long-term contract with Smith ahead of the July deadline, securing his services for years to come.
Winners and Losers Beyond the Tagged Players
While Higgins and Smith are the clear focal points of the franchise tag deadline, other players and teams emerged as winners and losers. The Dallas Cowboys, often criticized for their reluctance to offer long-term deals, bucked the trend by signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year extension. This move not only secures a key member of their defense but also potentially paves the way for an extension for linebacker Micah Parsons.
The Los Angeles Rams also demonstrated a proactive approach, inking left tackle Alaric Jackson to a three-year extension, avoiding the possibility of a franchise tag. This provides stability to their offensive line and rewards Jackson for his performance over the past two seasons.
Sam Darnold, on the other hand, finds himself in a precarious situation. The Minnesota Vikings opted not to tag him, allowing him to test free agency. While he has the opportunity to land a lucrative deal elsewhere, his future in Minnesota remains uncertain, especially with the presence of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The Big Picture: A Tight-Fisted Free Agency?
The low number of franchise tags this year suggests that teams may be more cautious with their spending in free agency. Despite a record-high salary cap of $279.2 million per team, owners may be hesitant to hand out massive contracts, particularly given the perceived quality of this year’s free agent class. This could lead to a more subdued free agency period, with teams prioritizing value and efficiency over splashy signings.
For players, this means they may have to temper their expectations and be willing to accept shorter-term deals or less guaranteed money. The franchise tag, as much as it is disliked by players, serves as a reminder of the power dynamic between teams and players in the NFL. While it provides a temporary financial windfall, it ultimately restricts a player’s freedom and control over their career.
